53 Sea King 5hp Air Baffle/cover

[JasonAych]

I have 2 Sea King 5 hp outboards. One of which I bought and swapped a 51 Sea Bee Complete Powerhead with carb. All three carbs have 2 threaded holes at the air horn (venturi opening) but, nothing there. I assumed that since all 3 were the same nothing belongs there. However, I have seen a few earlier carbs with a air baffle or cover mounted on ebay. I believe this is because the older models did not have side covers, at least they did not wrap around the front and cover the carb. Is my assumption correct here? If so, does anybody know of these covers restric air flow? Because I am pretty sure if I found one, it would fit.

[JB]

I think those castings were also used in carbs for power equipment that required air cleaners, Jason.

I see no reason that you couldn't use them to mount an air baffle or even an air cleaner on those outboards that don't have the carb enclosed by a cowling to protect it from bugs or other debris that might be ingested.

[F_R]

You have the old primer type carburetor used since the 1940's. The screw holes are a relic from the past. Some early models had no lower cowlings, but had a cover/dial plate over the carb opening. I seriously doubt the silencer used on later models will fit the carburetor, and even if it did, it probably wouldn't fit under the cowlings. If it would, I would have one on my motor. Noisy bugger isn't it?