New here 2012 Seadoo Challenger 210 couple issues

[ExhibitZ]

First off I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Sean from Panama City and I'm the proud owner of a Seadoo Challenger 210. I love it though it has given me what I hope is a simple fix since I've put it in the water this season. I gave the engine a look before I put it in the water and the intake filter (Looks like a intake filter for a car) was rusted out so I replaced it with a cheap parts house filter. Put it in the water and it was going through some power surges. It wouldn't get over 5000 rpms if that. Hooking it up to the hose it gave me the same issues. So I asked a local shop and he said change the plugs so they are currently changed. Another test run in the water with the same crappy results. So racking my brain and back tracking, It ran fine last season and I changed the filter. So while it was on the hose, I removed the filter and the boat would rev up to 7-8k with no surging. So I bought a K&N filter, put it on with the same positive results on the hose. I'm going to take it out in the morning and see how it will do under a load. Has anyone else experienced a issue like this. The boat only has 16 hours, so I just find it hard to believe that it would have life changing issues for lack of a better term. I guess if this doesn't work I may look into cavitation issues. Thank you for any help you can provide.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Common issue. The air filter on the 4-tec engine can be VERY touchy. If you change the air flow rate, it will affect the engine performance.

 

[ExhibitZ]

Thanks coastiejoe. I was planning on taking it out today to try it. The weather was less than optimal in panama city today. I'll post how it goes after I try it out.