Question about air silencer plug

[Blue in Yarmouth]

In looking over the engine of my recently purchased boat I found that the two rubber plugs were missing from the air silencer. What do these things do and by not having them what problems would it present? I am asking because I am having numerous problems and hoping something as simple as this could be the cause of at least one of them. Thanks. I did search for the answer first, but didn't find it. Probably because it is obvious to most people, sadly I am not all that informed about these things.

 

[Dr Honda]

Those holes are for servicing. It allows you to spray fogging oil into the carbs. But.. since the plug is a total SOB to put back in... everyone chucks them in the trash. OR... they dry out, break and fall out.

Either way... there is no issues with leaving them out.

 

[scski]

When hosing down the engine bay I just put a piece of tape over it.

 

[Blue in Yarmouth]

Thanks a lot guys. I figured as much but wanted to make sure. Cheers!