Mercury MerCruiser Quicksilver 45-Degree Engine Oil Cooler Elbow 48872

45-Degree Engine Oil Cooler Elbow — OEM Reference 48872 / 22-48872

Part Number: 48872 | Service format: 22-48872
Brand: Mercury Marine / Quicksilver
Official Product Type: 45-Degree Engine Oil Cooler Elbow / Fitting
Supersedes: 48872 is the current active part number (no supersession)
System: Engine Oil Cooling — Oil Cooler Hose Plumbing
Diagram Position: Oil hose connection at the engine oil cooler; provides the angled routing for the associated oil hose
GTIN: 745061077959

What This Elbow Does

This genuine Mercury Marine / Quicksilver 45-degree fitting connects the oil hose to the engine oil cooler in select MerCruiser assemblies, routing the line cleanly around nearby components at the correct angle. Mercury used both 45-degree and 90-degree cooler elbows in otherwise similar assemblies — the angle and connection geometry are specific to the diagram layout, not interchangeable. A generic 45-degree fitting may not match the thread type, hose size, or routing clearance required for proper installation in the MerCruiser oil cooler circuit.

Compatible Applications

Fitment is by oil cooler / oil filter adapter diagram, not engine displacement alone. Confirm against your MerCruiser parts diagram and engine serial number before ordering.

• Selected MerCruiser 485 / 3.7L (Mercury 224 inline-four) oil filter adapter applications
• Selected GM 350 V8 MerCruiser packages
• Selected GM 454 and 502 big-block MerCruiser packages
• Selected MerCruiser 7.4L and 8.2L MIE inboard applications
• Selected MerCruiser 330 and 350 MIE inboard applications
• Selected MerCruiser 385 Performance Tuned oil cooler layouts
• Selected MerCruiser 500 EFI, 502 MAG, 525, 575, and 600 SC high-performance applications
• Selected TR / TRS and Bravo sterndrive oil cooler layouts where 48872 is diagram-specified
• Applications equipped with power steering where this 45-degree fitting is specified in the oil cooler plumbing

Serial Number Fitment Notice

Mercury used both 45-degree (48872) and 90-degree cooler elbows in similar assemblies. The correct match is always the diagram callout confirmed by engine serial number. Do not substitute by angle alone — confirm the diagram specifically calls for 48872 / 22-48872 at the oil cooler hose position.

When to Replace This Elbow

Replace if the elbow is cracked, corroded, leaking at the threads or hose connection, or damaged during oil hose removal. Also inspect during any oil cooler, oil filter adapter, flywheel housing, or oil hose service if surrounding fittings show signs of age or oil residue.

Service Interval

Inspect at every oil cooler or hose service. Replace on condition — any cracking, corrosion, thread damage, or oil seeping at the elbow joint warrants replacement before reassembly.

Dimensions

Approximate package: 2.00 in. × 1.25 in. × 1.25 in. | Weight: approx. 0.19 lb (0.09 kg) | Angle: 45 degrees

Installation Notes

• Confirm the correct oil cooler diagram location before installation — do not substitute the 45-degree (48872) for the 90-degree elbow without confirming the diagram.
• Clean the mating threads and sealing surfaces before installation.
• Inspect the connected oil hose, clamps, oil cooler fitting, and adjacent hardware for damage or oil residue.
• Use the correct thread sealant where specified in the MerCruiser service manual.
• Avoid overtightening threaded fittings into cast housings or adapters.
• Mercury diagrams show 48872 used with oil cooler hoses 9235769, 9235728, and 9235715 depending on the exact engine configuration — confirm the matching hose before ordering.

Kit Contents

Single elbow fitting. Not a kit. Order the matching oil hose, clamps, and related oil cooler fittings separately as needed.

Part Numbers

• Current: 48872 / 22-48872
• Related 90-degree oil cooler elbow: 63825 / 22-63825 (different angle — confirm by diagram)

Related Parts

• Oil cooler hoses 9235769, 9235728, 9235715 — verify by engine model and serial number
• 90-degree oil cooler elbow 63825 — alternate angle fitting used in similar assemblies (confirm by diagram)
• Engine oil cooler assembly — verify by engine model and serial number
• Oil filter adapter — verify by engine model and serial number
• Hose clamps — replace during any hose or fitting service

Parts Desk Insights

The most common mistake with this fitting is ordering a 45-degree elbow based on angle alone without checking the diagram. MerCruiser used both 45-degree and 90-degree oil cooler elbows in otherwise identical-looking assemblies, and they are not interchangeable — the wrong angle will create hose routing, clearance, or sealing issues. If you are replacing a leaking elbow, also check the connected oil hose for hardening or oil saturation at the ends; a failed hose is often the root cause of fitting stress and leaks.

Technical FAQ

Q: Can I use the 90-degree elbow (63825) instead of this 45-degree fitting?
Only if your parts diagram calls for it. The two elbows are used in similar assemblies but are not interchangeable — confirm your diagram specifically calls for 48872 at the 45-degree position.

Q: Can I use a generic 45-degree elbow from a hardware store?
Not recommended. The OEM fitting is matched to the specific thread, hose size, and routing geometry of the MerCruiser oil cooler circuit. A generic fitting risks thread mismatch, hose misalignment, or oil leaks.

Q: How do I confirm this is the right fitting for my engine?
Use your MerCruiser engine serial number to pull the oil cooler or oil filter adapter parts diagram and confirm 48872 / 22-48872 is called out at the hose-to-cooler connection position.