Several weeks ago my son was pulling my rig on the interstate without the filter cover which had been stolen or had flown off. He noticed the filter and the bracket that holds it in place fly off. I got a new filter and cover but did not think to replace the bracket. So I'm noticing by motor idles so smoothly now and seems to have a bit more get up and go. It then dawned on me that the bracket which holds down the round filter might serve the purpose of channeling air through the filter and without it, my carb is just sucking unfiltered air. What ya'll tink?

I ran mine like that for ever through rain and sand no problem turned ip more I liked it

unfiltered air will will allow dirt into the engine. Dirt in an engine = causing wear. Did you hurt your motor? probably not, Would I advise to run no airfilter....NO...