3.0L TKS Spacer Block Missing

[HeadAbove]

Hi All,
Quick intro: Former sailor and current owner of a 2008 20ft Bayliner I/O cuddy, a Mercruiser 3.0L TKS motor (s/n 1A311803) with a closed cooling half-system and an Alpha One Gen II sterndrive. Used exclusively in salt water.
In the 4 years I've owned the boat, I've been working my way through the maintenance items and correcting the joys left by one or more previous owners.
I'm a bit of a nerd, so it's work I mostly enjoy. She has cleaned-up very nicely and I am lucky enough to be able to buy the correct tools and parts to do the work properly. I also have a fair bit of wrenching experience (frame-up restorations of 4-cyl motorcycles) so generally have some confidence in the mechanicals.
Before registering, I have been lurking obsessively on this forum which has been fundamental in my education. So I already owe a lot of thanks to the regulars & Mods who respond here.

Anywho...
Yesterday I realized that my motor is missing the spacer block which sits just behind the alternator belt. (Mercruiser part number 35862.) I suspect that the PO might have removed this to change the belt... then forgot to reinstall or chose not to. Bottom line: My motor doesn't have one. The two bolts for it are missing, too. I have had no issues with the motor or belt in the 4 seasons I've run it and from what I can tell, this spacer block provides no structural support, so I'm not sure whether it's a critical requirement, but I would like some input on that.
I will find a used one to install if there is a good reason for its existence.

Thanks muchly,

Rob

 

[nola mike]

I can't find a picture of it installed in a parts diagram, only pics of the part itself...

 

[HeadAbove]

#4 on this diagram:

Engine Mounting

Engine Mounting

www.mercruiserparts.com

...Not that it explains much.

 

[Fun Times]

Well even the service manual has left a bit of info out on this one too, https://www.manualslib.com/manual/822660/Mercruiser-Gm4.html?page=100#manual

I'd venture to say that since Merc has been using this front engine mount spacer block since the early 60's, there's something to it. https://www.mercruiserparts.com/35862-spacer

The other owner/s possibly left the block off because of the challenge to reinstall the block and possible leave more room to reinstall another new belt had they left a secondary new belt tied up out of the way in case one breaks while out on the water as many tend to do that with these 4 cylinders because of how hard the belt is to change.

That mentioned, the 4 cylinders do tend to have a heavier vibration feel throughout the engine/boat so I'd say the support block would be helpful at keeping the bracket assembly straight angled while engine running and during bolt installation too do to binding, plus less wear and tear to the rubber motor mount.

MerCruiser Engine Support Front Stand Motor Mount | eBay

<p>MerCruiser Engine Support Front Stand Motor Mount. </p><br /><p>Used </p><p>Sold as is </p><p>See photos for details </p><p>No returns </p>

www.ebay.com

Mercruiser 3.0L Alpha TKS Complete Engine

The ideal repower for your runabout or pontoon boat using the classic fron engine mount system. factory CPO with full factory warranty

www.dougrussell.com

 

[HeadAbove]

Very cool. Thanks for those links, Fun.
So definitely a structural brace, then. I'll find one to install.
Maybe I'll notice a reduction in vibration when I do...

Rob