96 XP hesitates and surges at first throttle

[Farescb52]

Just bought a 96 XP. In decent shape and runs pretty good. When first bought the ski I tested out and ran good at full throttle for long periods. I only noticed a small issue when opening up throttle running slow or from idle speed. Nothing major and thought that could be ironed out. Anyway, I cleaned it up and went through the ski. I cut off plug wire tips and fixed F1 fuse on gas gauge. Was also missing float and float screen. Luckily sent two by vendor when I fixed my 95 this year. I noticed one of the rave valve caps was adjusted down quite a bit. I turned that out flush on both as a starting point. Runs really good once the ski gets started. Just on first step throttle I get hesitation and at times when it hesitated it surges and clears up. Is that a product of the Rave valves need cleaned? I bought a kit and waiting to clean once it arrives. Didn’t want to check without new gaskets on hand. Oh, the other issue I forgot to mention. Missing air box/ silencer. I ordered one and I wouldn’t think that would cause an issue like the one I would like to solve. Appreciate any help with this is hesitation surge issue. Pictures coming soon.

 

[mikidymac]

Sounds more like the small transition ports in the carbs are not perfectly clean.

Rebuild with genuine Mikuni parts?

 

[Farescb52]

I don’t know the answer to that question to be honest.

 

[mikidymac]

Then you need to rebuild them with new mikuni parts

 

[Farescb52]

I will get that done after our lake trip. Not perfect but running well enough.

 

[JeremyD615]

+1 on rebuilding with Mikuni parts.

Running without the arrestor/air box assembly is the most likely problem, as you’ve changed the vacuum/signal that the carb is seeing. With that said, I would still rebuild the carbs, as you’ll then know exactly what has been done and what parts are there...