Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20VTX 2019 Owner's Manual page 122

Break-In Procedure
The Malibu boats undergo a general pre-test run at the factory
before shipping. The customer-based break-in period takes place
for the next 10 hours of operation. (The video screen includes an
hourmeter function that allows consumers to keep track of the
number of hours the boat has been in operation. See Dashes and
Video Screens in this Owner's Manual for details.)
issues or damage to critical components of the drive-
train. Such failure is not covered under warranty.
The break-in procedures, which should be followed for the first
ten (10) hours of operation as measured by the integrated hourmeter,
allow the engine and transmission components to properly seat and
function in the usage thereafter. These procedures are as follow:
• Always allow the engine to warm up after it is started. The length
of time varies depending upon conditions, but it is especially
critical when operating in colder weather. Oil viscosity thickens
at these times. Failure to allow it to warm up can cause severe
damage to the engine, which is not covered under warranty. This
is time in addition to the four (4) minutes venting the engine
compartment. Engine temperature is available on the video
screen. Always verify that the engine feedback information on
the video screen is within acceptable limits and no alarms show
or sound before leaving the dock. Often, symptoms of potentially
stranding issues will be noticeable at the beginning of the outing.
• Vary engine speed, but do not exceed 3500 RPM with light load
for the first hour.
• After the first hour higher RPMs are allowable, 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 drivetrain 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.
2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner's Manual • Page 109
Failure to follow break-in
instructions can result in
long-term performance
https://www.boat-manuals.com/
• 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, transmission fluid and 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.
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.
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 drivetrain
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 strongly recommends
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.
Check the engine oil level
frequently during the break-
in process. It is normal for
Never operate at wide-
open-throttle (WOT)
continuously, even after