Johnson 150 2-Stroke Engine Cowling Question

[jmmitche]

I have a second hand Johnson 150 and the previous owner re-fiberglassed the engine cowling, but he closed in all the openings that were on the back. My question is...are those only there for a design or do they serve a purpose?

[boats.net]

The louvers on back of cowling is where the engine gets it's air, they have to be open for engine to run properly.

[jmmitche]

That's what I figured! thanks for the answer!