2 suggestions:
#1 the air filter assemblies I've worked with always had a metal plate, similar to the leaf spring looking part in the bottom of some brands of oil filters--for this application it would be almost as big as the filter. I do not see this spring/plate in your pics--it sits on top of the foam air filter, & performs the same function as the leaf spring in the bottom of an oil filter----keeps everything packed tight so there is no leakage. Look for one of these spring plates in a junked lawnmower--or buy one.
I have a 10 hp rider which operates in similar very very very dusty areas- it has a paper type air filter like a car, and I've improved its function by adding a pre-filter, & closing a gap which existed. Point is, I monitor if any dust is getting into the carb by cleaning it first of course, then dipping my finger in oil and smearing the oil inside the carb, in a place i can see & clean---you could use the inside wall of the carb,or the choke plate. Each time you pull the filter out for cleaning look at the spot you smeared the oil----see if it contains dust/debris particles, then you will be certain if your modifications are truely working
Steve
#1 the air filter assemblies I've worked with always had a metal plate, similar to the leaf spring looking part in the bottom of some brands of oil filters--for this application it would be almost as big as the filter. I do not see this spring/plate in your pics--it sits on top of the foam air filter, & performs the same function as the leaf spring in the bottom of an oil filter----keeps everything packed tight so there is no leakage. Look for one of these spring plates in a junked lawnmower--or buy one.
I have a 10 hp rider which operates in similar very very very dusty areas- it has a paper type air filter like a car, and I've improved its function by adding a pre-filter, & closing a gap which existed. Point is, I monitor if any dust is getting into the carb by cleaning it first of course, then dipping my finger in oil and smearing the oil inside the carb, in a place i can see & clean---you could use the inside wall of the carb,or the choke plate. Each time you pull the filter out for cleaning look at the spot you smeared the oil----see if it contains dust/debris particles, then you will be certain if your modifications are truely working
Steve