235 timing cover blocked

[Jemezcrusher]

I am putting new gaskets and painting my 235 before reinstalling in my 50 3100. There was a bunch of silicone gooped at the bottom of the timing cover on the outside.

When I got it open, I found that there were silicone plugs in the two holes that allow oil to come through from the pan. There was enough of it protruding through that it had to be intentional.

This can't be good long term and will certainly limit the amount of oil that makes its way to the timing gears.

Just curious to see if anyone has seen this practice or if there is a valid reason to block these two holes off?