Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

Page: 153 / 309

2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 139
• After the first hour higher RPMs are allowable
up to, but not exceeding, 5000 RPM
,
but operators must
avoid operating at one continuous speed (RPM).
Varying the speed is important!
NEVER RUN AT WIDE
OPEN THROTTLE (WOT) DURING THE BREAK-IN-PERIOD!
• Never operate at idle speed for extended periods during the break-in period. Occasionally, return the shifter/
throttle to neutral for a cool-down period, but do not operate at idle speed for extended periods. It is better to
turn OFF the engine than to idle indefinitely.
• Operate above 1500 RPM carefully. If the body of water is choppy or if there are other challenges present,
operate at lower RPM. Boating conditions can add strain to drive train operation.
• Always shift and accelerate smoothly during break-in. Avoid rapid operational changes. Plane the boat quickly
as lower speeds can put more strain on the engine.
•
Do not do your first oil change before 10 hours or later than 15 hours.
•
Do not load the boat to its maximum load capacity until after the first oil change. Maintain the correct
oil level as measured on the dipstick during the break-in period.
• Monitor the gauges and video screens closely as these are your first line of defense.
• Abnormal vibrations or unusual noises could be symptomatic of additional problems that are not registered
by the gauges and video screens.
• The boat must be returned to an authorized Malibu dealer for the first service/scheduled maintenance. The purpose is
to allow a trained technician to interpret any signs of malfunction or anomaly that may have occurred. Catching these
symptoms early is critical to avoiding potentially damaging events that might not be covered under warranty.
• The dealer will change oil and the transmission fluid, as well as check the cooling fluid, clean the sea strainer,
and do an alignment check on the engine.
• Verify that the propeller remains properly mounted and undamaged. Propeller information is provided in the
How It Works section of this Owner’s Manual.
Check the engine oil level frequently during the break-in process. It is normal
for the engine to use oil at this time, often at a greater rate than will occur
later. The dipstick is located mid-block on the starboard side of the engine,
between the intake and manifold. It has a circular yellow handle. Add
only full-synthetic 5W30 engine oil. DO NOT USE ENGINE ADDITIVES AT ANY TIME. ENGINE
ADDITIVES WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
Never operate at wide-open-throttle (WOT) continuously, even after the
break-in period. WOT allows boat operators to quickly get the boat out
of potentially dangerous situations and is intended for only brief use.
WOT places exceptional stress and strain on the engine and drive train
components. It can also test the boat operator’s ability to control the vessel. Loss of control not only
could cause an accident that damages the boat, but could also potentially injure persons on-board.
At 10 hours (and never later than 15 hours), the engine oil and oil filter MUST be changed. Malibu requires
that this procedure be done by the authorized Malibu dealer as the service technicians are trained to look
for the difference between acceptable signs of engine wear as differentiated from abnormal. This can make
the difference in ensuring a long life for your drive-train. Failure to have the oil change completed by an
authorized Malibu dealer may void the warranty!
If your dealer is not conveniently close by, instructions for oil and filter change procedures has been provided for
oil changes
AFTER
the break-in, 10-hour oil change. After the break-in period, follow the instructions presented in the
Care and Maintenance section of this Owner’s Manual.