I think I’ve heard that the panel is needed for proper cooling. It is an air cooled engine so it’s certainly possible that proper shrouding is necessary. I have to admit it doesn’t look to me like it would play any significant role in that but maybe. It’s probably safe to run it as I know there is a safety switch that will shut it down if it overheats but I’d sure keep trying to find a replacement.
Frustrating though. I recently lost my fridge access vent cover on the road. It had a complex, three color plus clear coat full body paint and cost me $600 to get a new one painted - and it’s not quite perfect match. I believe it was lost due to my negligence in fastening it. Argh!
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