What is this plate for? 72 Johnson 6 HP

[jrs_diesel]

In the midst of my rebuild on this motor. In the midsection, just underneath the power head, is this plate. Right under where the exhaust and cooling water from the exhaust cavity come down. I took some pictures, one with the plate and one without. With the plate off, I can see an access hole that goes towards the exhaust relief hole on the back.

Any idea what exactly this plate is for?

 

[mrteeman]

Re: What is this plate for? 72 Johnson 6 HP

did you ever find out where it was for? i was asking myself the same question...
my common sense says it's either for noise reduction or for power reduction....

 

[F_R]

Re: What is this plate for? 72 Johnson 6 HP

Common sense wins out. It is for noise reduction. The chamber below it acts as a muffler of sorts.

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: What is this plate for? 72 Johnson 6 HP

It's an "exhaust housing cover plate" but I can't tell what it's function is, other than being a baffle (maybe).