Needless to say I was freaking out....
I checked the filter and it didn't seem to be coming though any part of it including the center bolt.
So I pulled the box apart and discovered the problem.
I almost cried when I saw the dirt...
The solution was a cage asy from a 99 kdx200 and some Permatex Ultra Black RTV Silicone.
Same size and configuration as the kx500
Clean it all good...
Ready to go...