TOPIC: Lower shroud 35hp

Is this lower shroud just decorative? Is it attached to anything internally? The engine housing is full of mouse debris and would be easier to clean out if I just take this shroud off.

as long as the screws come out.. just pull it off and clean it out.. its just a cover..

Thanks! Just wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking something.

Ya, those critters can be a problem...My old RDS-20. Had to remove the entire lower shroud, wire brush, prime and repaint. The stuff actually seems to stain the metal.

The air intake in the underside of the pan is where the little bastards usually get in. I have found that jamming a tennis ball between the motor clamp and the bottom pan opening helps to keep them out.