And it will cause excessive revs when correctly adjusted and without the filter in good condition (dry or damaged). I think returning the filter to its original position is quite a big job, and I see no point in replacing the air hose until the filter is moved back, even though it will be damaged by the oil (which should be cleaned up urgently).shepp wrote: ↑Thu Mar 03, 2022 11:03 pmThe thing is that once a proper new or unrestricted air cleaner with correct oil level and a new inlet manifold hose has been fitted, then we can be confident that the air supply side of the inlet manifold venturi is up to specification. The maximum no load engine speed can then be set to 1800rpm by the adjusting screws on the venturi. The vacuum effect on the governor diaphragm and spring is brought about and controlled by the difference between the vacuum on one side of the venturi to the other side of the venturi - one vacuum pipe enters above the venturi and one below. If the air supply side is out of spec it will affect how the venturi controls the governor.
Your best bet is probably a second hand replacement battery tray and firewall from eBay or a scrapy.
Sandy