How this ended just in case others have the same issue. The flame trap screen metal wires actually broke (not very noticable) not the plastic tabs that hold it on the muffler assembly. If you look closely at the photo I posted above, you can see where it broke in two places. The mechanic popped...
This is incredibly helpful info and advice, thank you. I just found this response from a 2012 thread in these same forums:
These "flame traps" tend to fall out of their mount because of vibration. They get loose and then "walk" around and eat at the little plastic ears that hold them in.
My...
I've attached a photo of the flame trap screen I found floating around in the front upper part of the engine. I'm not even sure where the engine muffler it came from is located, much less how to get to it.
I have a Honda BF20D (saltwater use) and when I took the engine cover off to spray some CorrosionX on it, I found the flame trap screen sitting loose in a random location near the front of the engine. I know this is part of the muffler assembly and keeps backfires from igniting fumes...