Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

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Never add diesel fuel to the fuel tank! Diesel fuel and regular gasoline do not mix. Diesel fuel will cause
permanent damage to the engine, and such damage is not covered under warranty. If diesel fuel is accidentally
pumped into the Malibu system, all contents of the fuel tank must be properly disposed of on-shore, and the
engine should not be started until the system is thoroughly cleared and the correct fuel pumped into the fuel
tank.
When Fueling
When pumping fuel, do not leave the nozzle unattended in the fuel
fill.
Although the fuel system has been manufactured to avoid spit-back of
fuel, and most gasoline dispensers will shut off if removed from fuel fill, it is
always a wise consideration to provide full attention to the process.
Malibu strongly recommends using 93-octane TOP TIER detergent
gasoline. The additives and detergents in these fuels can reduce the amount
of build-ups in engines that adversely affect performance and shorten the life
of an engine. Retailers selling TOP TIER gasoline can be found at www.toptier.
com.
Never use E-85 or other E- fuels. This type of fuel does not contain
sufficient additives to protect the engine nor perform to expected standards.
Never use leaded fuel. Malibu engines are designed and constructed to run properly ONLY on unleaded
gasoline. If finding unleaded gasoline is an issue for a boat owner, check with your authorized Malibu dealer to
locate unleaded gasoline.
Never use gasoline containing higher than ten percent (10%) ethanol. Some fuel contains MBTE (methyl
butyl tertiary ether) as a blend to enhance octane. Blended fuel is permissible as long as it is blended and does
not exceed the percentage allowed.
Never use gasoline that contains any methanol. This type of fuel can cause corrosion to some of the
engine parts, and such damage would not be covered under warranty.
When fueling the boat outside the United States or Canada, verify the chemical components of the
available gasoline
. You must use only approved fuel. Work with your authorized Malibu dealer to locate
appropriate gasoline for use.
When the Boat Is Not in Operation (Fuel)
When maintained as directed in the Care and Maintenance section of this Owner’s Manual, boats can
reasonably be expected to be ready for operation when they are not used for a period of two (2) weeks or less.
Longer than two (2) weeks requires particular attention to fueling, among other operations. If the engine does
not start and run smoothly, it is likely that there are issues involving gasoline.
When allowed to sit for extended periods of time, fuel components can begin to separate or deteriorate. Any
water that has intruded into the fueling system will separate, and because it is heavier than gasoline, will settle
to the bottom of the tank. The current fuel system, which includes a spring-loaded gas cap, should not allow
significant amounts of water into the system, but operators should always verify that the fuel filler cap is closed
anytime the boat engine is on.
Always verify that the fuel filler access is closed when the engine is running.
Failure to do so may allow water to enter into the fuel system. Such
intrusion could result in damage to the engine and is not covered under
warranty.
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 132