RE: Magnum XLS 52 - A 'Hunk of Junk'?
I had a 1/2 dozen dead sticks with mine before it started to behave. I'm certain it just may need a little more break-in time? On the fuel circuit, seal anything and everything that has a "thread" with hi-temp silicone to eliminate any sources of an air leak, including the carb. and the retaining screws. Sounds like things are going lean on you once you burn a little fuel off, so make your needle adjustments with minimal fuel in the tank.