Gas Mileage Issues

i still have the plastic fuel filter on the daily driver /6 duster. made the 32 mi trip home from work other day ( 98 degrees and 1000 % humidity), shut it off looked under hood and i could see the gas in filter boilin! this is after i moved the rubber line ( from the original steel line out of pump) as far above manifold that i could! probably why it hates to start when hot, HUH! thinkin about takin one of my small early air cleaners and cuttin out the side to make fresh air cleaner. should help!? engine doesn't overheat or loose any fluilds, still getin low 20 for mileage. yea i know, get rid of plastic filter!!