The original canister helps separate the water vapor from the oil vapor and it helps reduce the volume of oil vapor routed back through the engine. I expect it would take a long time to see negative effects from moisture, and you should know soon whether the volume of oil collecting in the air cleaner is something you can live with. Worst case you can always reinstall the canister. The canister originally had a foam filter inside but I've never found more than a few crumbs in any I've ever opened up. I use a green air filter foam element from a lawn mower engine and cut to fit, about 2" diameter and 1" thick. Remove the plastic disk inside the canister, insert the foam, and snap the disk back in place under the lip about a third of the way down.
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