Air filter necesary?

I have an old brigs and straton go kart engine probralby about 3-4 hp. And there is no air filter. Attacthed to the carb is a long tube that was cut and i believe there used to be an airfilter. My question is would it really fuck up the engine if i dont put a filter on? I can easily fabricate one but I was just wondering if it was necesary. Also, would it be better without , because there would be no restricted flow?

would you run your car without an air filter ?

No, but car engines are more complex than go kart engines.

Yes, but car drivers are more complex than go kart drivers.



Seriously, the dirt that gets into the carb and engine makes this a no-brainer. If you want it to last, get a filter.

A filter shouldn't restrict it too much if you get a good one. I wouldn't run it without, you'll get sh*t in your motor like dirt, pebbles, and leaves. Even though it's not a car engine it is still and engine and any debris that gets in there has the chance of messing stuff up.