Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

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• Disconnect the positive (+) cable,
TAKING CARE TO AVOID ANY CONTACT BETWEEN THE POSITIVE
BATTERY CABLE AND ANY METAL.
There may be residual charge still in the electrical system, which could
result in a serious electrical shock or burns.
• With the battery cables disconnected and out of the way, remove the bracket nuts holding the battery in
place.
• Batteries should always be stored in a cool, dry location. Manufacturers generally prefer batteries be stored on
shelving above floor level.
• Using an old toothbrush or similar bristled brush, and a mix of baking soda and water, clean off the battery
terminals and cable ends, if they show any signs of corrosion. A small amount, especially as batteries age,
is not uncommon, but excessive corrosion could be sign of future service interruptions, and it should be
brought to the attention of your authorized Malibu dealer. Allow the terminals and cable ends to air dry.
• Clean the battery lugs with a wire brush.
Following the storage period, reverse the above steps to reinstall the battery(ies).
Pumps
The authorized Malibu dealer can inspect and repair/replace ballast and bilge pumps that are not function-
ing properly. This is both a safety matter and adds to the life of the boat’s systems. All pumps will lose function-
ality over time as the internal components are designed to be self-sacrificing during use, rather than allowing
debris to foul and damage more expensive and complex components of these systems. Insist upon pump evalu-
ations during annual maintenance.
Coolant System
There are two (2) elements to the coolant system in Malibu boats: the closed-cooling system and the raw
water intake system. Both require attention on a regular basis. Depending on the body of water, attention may
need to be frequent.
Any time the engine temperature raises above normal operating levels
(approximately 155-175 degrees) operators must determine the source of the
overheating and address the issue. Often, it may be caused by debris in the
sea strainer (raw water intake). If cleaning the sea strainer does not result in
lower operating engine temperature, have the boat towed to shore and take it to an authorized Malibu
dealer for analysis. Failure to immediately address overheating issues can void the warranty.
Instructions for inspecting and cleaning the sea strainer (raw water intake) are provided above, under Before
the Outing.
The following information concerns the closed cooling system, which should be checked at least annually,
even if there have been no instances of overheating during outings:
The closed cooling operates on a 50/50 mix of marine-grade coolant (such as Sierra) and clean, distilled
water. (Some brands sell coolant conveniently pre-mixed. Be sure to read the label carefully, and
DO NOT add
any water to coolants that are pre-mixed. This will dilute them to unacceptable levels of mixture.) When mixing
coolant and distilled water, do so in a CLEAN container. Dirt, oil, or other contaminants can cause damage to the
cooling system, which may not be covered under warranty.
The coolant in the closed cooling system should be changed every three (3) years or 1200 hours, whichever
comes first, but a thorough inspection is required annually.
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 252