Re: Plate, looks like a shoe heel
i've read where some engine drive systems don't have them, even from the factory... mostly read that about vp.
that said, the exhaust shutter does help keep water from back flowing up the exhaust while backing up, while beached and waves are slamming against your transom, under extreme slow down maneuver where the wave of your own boat chases you down and slams into the drive/transom, and possibly if your operating in a following sea... so to me, they serve a purpose and if you have (had) one, myself, i'd replace it..