There are new, plastic filter elements that are sold by www.eastcoastmarine.com for the larger hex fittings. Look at ones for the Mark-7. I also have bought a similar one at my Mercury dealer and drilled the hole in the top myself. They have a large filter area.

My practice is to remove them and add an inline filter, unless it is to be a display or show motor. JW in Dixie

Thanks for the replies! Very helpful.
-David