They are usually blue loctited on. Will take some strength. And Sometimes a small chisel or etc to break the plastic. Be careful.

As for the serial number, PM me with your email address and I will forward a Mercruiser Service Bulletin with alternative S/N location and engine specs.

Did you check to make sure the throttle is allowing the engine to run wide open?

Thanks. So should I put locktite on the new one or just push it down? Thx

Yup. Put the throttle on full and then removed the rod. It was on full on the carb too. Thx

OK, confirmed that the flame resister cover's serial matches a tag on the engine block. Serial # is OD831888 - can someone confirm the type of motor it is (ie. mag or no mag) based on this?

Thanks

I did some googl'ing - found that this serial says it is a 92 454 mag bravo gen v. Does anyone know the hp of this motor? Thanks

I think the carbed mag is 365hp and the fuel injection is 385hp what year is it?

Damn . Sounds like you have the orig carb mag motor if the little tin tag on the back lower side of the block near bellhousing confirms it .should have enough balls to spin a 19 past 4000 rpm with a plug wire pulled and old gas.
Your going to find something .

Alex, were you able to gain any info from my email?