[dsraven]

if it is leaking then you should remove it and block it off. sometimes they will leak out the weep hole a little but that is a prerunner to a big leak, sometimes fuel. while the fuel leak does a great job of cleaning the side of the engine it also is a huge fire hazard if it starts leaking gas.
its easy to make your own plate. like mr 48 says, trace the gasket on a piece of steel, drill a few holes, instant block off plate. not pretty but if that isn't a big deal for you then it's the cheap way to go.