Always operate the blower for the required four (4) minutes priorto starting the engine, ensuring the engine compartment is open. Thisshould also be done when idling or running at low speed. This allowsthe disbursing of fumes that otherwise allowed to accumulate couldresult in an explosion.The blower is controlled from an ON-OFF switch on the 7” MalibuTouch Command (MTC) screen. (See Dashes and Video Screenssection of this Owner’s Manual for more detail on how to operatethe system.) The blower should come ON automatically whenthe system is first powered up from the ON-OFF power button.However, operators should always verify that the blower is ON andoperating rather than relying on the automatic ON.Although the Malibu fuel system works very efficiently, therewill always be some gaseous by-product as a result of operating aninternal-combustion engine. These gases, along with the water usedto cool the engine (in addition to the closed cooling system) are routedout of the boat by way of the exhaust manifolds on each side of theengine to exhaust houses between the deck and hull, and it is expelledout of the system at the transom. If your boat is a Response or TXi, aspart of the maintenance of the boat, pay attention to the exhaust flaps.Some flaps and components of that exhaust system are composedof high-grade rubber and synthetics. These may deteriorate overtime. Check to ensure that the flaps fit securely over the exhaust portand that they will open with ease, which is what must occur when theboat engine is running. After extended storage, also verify that birdsand vermin have not made their way past the flaps and created nestsinside the exhaust system.Although much of the exhaust is disbursed into and through thewater, fumes still reach the swim platform and transom area of theboat, including WakeView seating and the sun pads. Therefore, noone should ever be on the swim platform, transom seating or sunpads when the engine is operating.Never allow anyone to be onthe swim platform, transomseating or sun pads when theengine is running. Carbonmonoxide fumes are colorless and odorless. Illness anddeath can result from breathing fumes, even before aperson is aware of breathing them. See the Safety sectionof this Owner’s Manual for more information regardingthis critical matter.Always allow the exhaust manifolds to cool before touching them.(The manifolds are on the upper side of the engine on both sides.)Engine operation will result in the manifolds becoming very hot, andtouching could result in burns to the skin.Engines equipped withcatalyst exhaust manifoldsmay produce an unusualodor. This is typical of engines with a catalytic converterexhaust system. If you are uncertain about any odor, donot hesitate to contact an authorized Malibu dealer forassistance in determining the cause and potential forconcern.The boat is also equipped with a natural air-intake that forces airthrough a ventilation system on the deck of the boat. This channelsair from the bilge to the transom vent.With proper maintenance, which is the responsibility of the boatowner and/or operator, the ventilation system works efficiently andprotects the people on-board from dangerous fumes. Follow themaintenance requirements as indicated in the Care and Maintenancesection of this Owner’s Manual.The State of California hasdetermined that the engineexhaust contains chemicalsthat have been known by the State to cause birth defects,cancer or other reproductive harm.Never operate the boat if you or anyone on board suspectsthat the exhaust or fuel system is not performing as designed.Break-In Period—All BoatsBreaking in marine engines is a different process from land-based vehicles. The first 10 hours of operation for your Malibu engineis critical for long life and enjoyable operation. When done properly,the break-in period will ensure peak performance.The first hours of the boat operation have critical requirementsfor engine break-in. Pay close attention to the screens and monitorthe readings. Pay particular attention to the oil pressure and enginetemperature information as these are the earliest warnings whensomething is going wrong with the drivetrain. Alarms will sound ifserious problems are encountered.Also, check carefully for leaks. The break-in period is the most-likely time for leaks to appear, whether fuel, oil, water or exhaust.Verify that fluid levels are at the required levels. Listen for abnormalnoises and pay attention to vibrations.Any part of the operation that seems to be different fromexpectations should be checked with your authorized Malibu dealer,especially during this break-in period.2019 Malibu Boats, LLC Owner’s Manual • Page 108https://www.boat-manuals.com/