clean it often, but dont oil it, the oil will stick in the pores and choke off air flow. its more splash proof then it is water resistant, if mud sticks to it, the same as iol, it will block air flow, but running the single carb, you definitly want it. as far as cleaning it, ive used the meat method and ive also used the filter cleaner as well, the meat method cleans faster and is cheaper. after you clean your filter, oil it, let it soak in and slide it on, your good to go.