I'm reading in my Assembly and Preparation manual and it says "never run the engine with the air silencer removed from the carburetor. Poor engine performance and engine damage will result". It goes on to say "properly position the plastic adapters on the carburetor prior to air silencer installation, to prevent breakage of the plastic econo jet fitting". It makes no mention of using other types of filters, but that doesn't mean it can't be done, I'm just not certain. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable will chime in. Good luck!