New rings,seals,thermostat,etc. put in this motor and afraid to start this without finding out if it will hurt motor to run without screen for break-in.
The screen is a flame arrestor in case you get a crank-case combustion (sneezing). Has the same function as flame arrestors on cars and inboard engines. If the engine back fires through the carb, it prevents the flames from going into the engine room and setting the boat on fire!
