I guess I misunderstood. If you're concerned about burning the unit out from running it dry, you can leave it alone, or even take the loco apart and disconnect the wire.
If your goal is to get more output, that's a different problem. I've never heard of burning out an MPC-era fluid-type unit. But if you install a new element with wicking, now you're back to the risk of burning it out if it runs dry.
Besides the unit from the postwar 773, there are MANY options to make your smoke more prolific. Search the forum for Gunrunner John's SuperChuffer. Good luck, whatever you decide!