Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

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142 Care & Maintenance | 2021 OWNER’S MANUAL
Before Starting the Engine
Check Coolant Level
Be certain the emergency safety stop switch is disconnected,
and the shifter/throttle is in neutral. Open the engine
compartment hatch and locate the coolant reservoir. The
reservoir will be located on the port side of the engine between
the manifold and the intake diagonally behind the alternator. The
reservoir features a full marking. This is not the same as filling
the reservoir until is completely full. The reservoir requires
expansion room while in operation; therefore, the full marking is
slightly lower than the top of the tank.
It may be necessary to periodically add coolant as a small
amount of evaporation occurs naturally. When adding coolant,
use only a 5-year, extended warranty antifreeze (propylene
glycol), either a premixed 50/50 mix or create a mix of 50
percent extended warranty antifreeze plus 50 percent distilled
water. (Do not use tap or other water as other elements in the
water can cause build ups or deposits within the closed cooling
system. This can interfere with proper operation and resulting
damage is not covered under warranty.) The coolant must be
propylene glycol coolant only. Never use ethylene glycol
or Dex-Cool, nor ever attempt to mix coolants as they will
not properly mix. Use of unapproved coolant will void the
warranty.
Inspect the Sea Strainer
Raw water from the body of water is drawn into the boat as
part of the cooling system for the engine and drive train. Even
with the closed cooling systems, it is necessary to circulate
additional water as part of an effective cooling system. To
protect the system, a sea strainer is installed near the raw water
intake, aft of the engine near the steering system’s tiller arm.
The sea strainer serves the purpose of keeping debris from
entering the raw water-cooling system and causing eventual
engine failure. As with any kind of strainer, it is necessary to
regularly clean it so that water can flow unimpeded.
When operating the boat in water that is brackish or has
a noticeable degree of weeds and other flora, it may be
necessary to clean out the strainer in boats equipped with
sea strainers even during an outing. Pay close attention to the
engine temperature, which appears on a gauge or video screen.
(See the Dashes and Video Screens sections of this manual for
more information.) An overheating engine is probably due to
inadequate water flow.
Leave the engine off.
• To inspect the sea strainer, open the engine
compartment. Note the sea strainer’s appearance as
shown in the accompanying photo. (If you cannot
locate the sea strainer, ask for assistance from your
authorized Malibu dealer. This step is critical and cannot
be overlooked. Also shown in the photo is the adjacent
optional flush kit, which does not require normal
consumer maintenance.)
• Open and lift the cover to expose the filter.
• Remove the filter and examine for any debris that has
accumulated within it. When necessary, clean out the
filter and then reinstall it in the housing. Hand tighten
the lid so that water will not leak out and into the engine
compartment.
• If it is necessary to check the sea strainer during an
outing, turn off the engine first and then close the valve
on the water pickup feeding the sea strainer. Make sure
you open the valve prior to running the engine; otherwise,
it will overheat. Whenever the engine is running, water is
being drawn in and you will not be able to inspect the sea
strainer.
Check the Engine Oil Level
• With the engine off, remove the engine oil dipstick from
the top side of the engine.
• With a clean, dry cloth, wipe the dipstick free of residual
oil and reinsert it into the engine.
• Withdraw the dipstick and note where the measurement
reaches on the dipstick.
• If the engine oil level is at or below the fill line, add new oil
as described in the Oil Change information in this section
NOTICE
Failure to follow the maintenance instructions provided in this manual
will result in the voiding of the Limited Warranty explained in its own
section of this manual.
NOTICE
Continuing to operate a boat that is overheating the engine and drive
train will result in engine failure eventually. Boat operators should
routinely review the engine temperature information provided on the
gauge or video screen on the instrument panel. Ignoring or failing
to take proper steps to reduce the engine temperature, resulting in
damage, is not covered under the warranty.
Never open the coolant reservoir when the engine has been running.
This check should be done prior to starting the engine. During
operation, pressure builds up in the reservoir. Opening it before the
cooling system has had time for pressure relief likely will result in an
eruption of fluid. It will also be sufficiently hot to seriously burn skin.
Always allow adequate time for the fluid to cool and return to pre-
operation levels.
CAUTION
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