is this a new problem ? plate fit and holes are needed to let some air pass to vaporize and carry the fuel inside the crankcase on the upstroke.
jmho
may as well focus on carb adjustments, cleaning, sparks ? etc….
btw nothing wrong with being 36 years old….. my 9.5 is 55 this year & works fine
Compare the 8 to the fit of a six horse:
Long live American manufacturing!