carbs gaskets

[jetracer800]

should you replace the carbs gaskets everytime you take the carbs off, i have a 96xp with stock gaskets, now one sticks to the exhaust manifold and the other on the carb, the reason im asking is because i can't seem to richen up my highs on the mag side carbs, when im ideling and 1/4 throttle my plugs looks good, but full throttle the mag carbs runs a little grayish, and i know that's not good. i have a nice carbon ring around the base of the plug, also ive never done a carb rebuild on them, i rejetted both for a set of prok air filters so they have been off about 5 times. thanks

[Technical Support]

Never reuse gaskets! Yes they must be changed, and I'm surprised you haven't blown it yet due to an air leak.

[jetracer800]

so that could be my problem, do you use any gasket sealer for them, i haven't been pleased with my rpms on my 96xp so that could be one of the problems, just seems that the last time i took them off is when im noticing the lean condition on my plugs, also can i just buy a carb filter for them instaed of buying a whole new rebuild kit thanks how hot should the plugs be to the touch, i know that there really hot because of the lean condition.

[ September 02, 2003, 08:15 PM: Message edited by: jetracer800 ]

[Technical Support]

Dry or High-Tach. No you can't buy the filters separately. I have no idea how to guauge a hot plug - warm to hold, like any normal plug is all I can say.

[Bill O'Neal]

If a sparkplug is too hot to hold you are running lean.

Suppliers like Dennis Kirk, Hot Products, ect, sell all Mikuni carb parts seperately, including those filters. I buy mine from the Sea Doo dealership. They come in a plastic bag with two filters in each bag.

[Ohio96XP]

for my 96XP carb gaskets I bought a sheet of gasket material at autozone and used a rezor to cut exact duplicates, works great !

[Bill O'Neal]

Jon, I'm glad that worked for you. But, I do not recommend that everyone do that. A $2.00 gasket is better than losing a motor.......

I inspect the gaskets that come off. If they are 100 % intact, I spread gasket maker onto them and re-use them. I see no need to replace a gasket if it is in excellent condition. OEM gaskets are very soft and have a rubbery type film that seals excellently. If I buy a complete gasket kit, or an installation kit, I will use the new gaskets that come in the kit.

[ September 04, 2003, 08:56 AM: Message edited by: Bill O'Neal ]