BX 2200 Rough Starting

dforest · Dec 11, 2002

I am very new to most of this tractor stuff (not to mention posting on this website). I recently bought a BX-2200 (only about 30 hours on it so far) for various use around my new home. I live in Michigan and although it has not been very cold here, I have been experiencing some very rough starting when it has been below 35-40 Deg F outside. I have been letting the glowplugs cycle for the reccomended time period but when I go to start it, it usually coughs and sputters a few times and then stalls out. It will do this a couple of times, then start (and blow out a bunch of black smoke) and after about 5-10 seconds run fine. I let it warm up for several minutes before putting any load on it. I keep it in my garage, so I can't believe it is getting too cold. I do not have a heater for it because I didn't think I would need one. I have no experience with diesels, so I am not sure if this is a common thing to happen or if I could be screwing things up more than helping by continuing to use it. I did notice the problem right after having it serviced by the dealer (the hourmeter was not working). They filled up the tank for me. Maybe they used poor fuel or something (However the dealer has been very good so far- Picks up and returns for any service for free). Any suggestions, or am I just being paranoid? I have read some of the other rough starting posts but figured I would be better off asking people with more time under thier belts.

manganos · Dec 11, 2002

I have a Kubota BX22 (same engine as yours) and it starts fine. I live in Virginia and have started it up with no problem at 25 degrees or so. You've only got 30 ~ on it so I'd just call the dealer and have him take a look at it. You paid for the warranty when you bought the tractor so I'd use it while you have it! I would have opted for a block heater if I lived where you are. What was it an extra hundred bucks or so? Keep us updated!

nitronut1 · Dec 11, 2002

I also have a BX-22 (same engine) in New Jersey which starts fine at 15 degrees out. I have to use the glow plugs for about 10 seconds but it starts right up, clatters for a half a minute then I let it warm up for about 10 minutes.

If you're starting then stalling, have the dealer look at it - especially at the temps you mentioned.

JimMorrissey · Dec 11, 2002

dforest,

I have the exact same problem. I live in Vermont and it hasn't been above freezing for many weeks now. Every time I try to start my BX 2200 it starts very reluctantly. I hold the glow plug for over one minute. Sometimes I have to hold the key and really make it start. It's kind of a bummer to do that. I don't like to do it, but it won't start otherwise. I added a block heater last year and it worked great (get the one that installs in the frost plug hole of the engine block...starts instantly). My problem is that I don't have access to electricity this winter and it's a real problem for me. I wonder if it's a fuel issue? I added anti-gel stuff into cut diesel from the local Sunoco and it's still giving me trouble. I really wish I had access to an extension cord. Snow is coming tonight and tomorrow.

cpicton1 · Dec 12, 2002

I don't know what the main cause of the starting problems are, but as far as the diesel fuel goes, they do change the additives for the different seasons. When I bought my BX2200 I asked the dealer about adding anything to the fuel. He said he doesn't recommend adding anything to the fuel. His advice was to buy your fuel from a place that sells a lot of diesel to truckers. If they sell a lot of diesel then they have to refill their tanks often. When they refill their tanks they get the latest diesel formula for the season. Makes since to me. If you are still using fuel leftover from the summer months, you may want to get some of the winter grade diesel and try that. I would also talk to my dealer about the problem. They may be able give you a quick fix. Just a thought. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

hazmat · Dec 12, 2002

<font color=blue>I hold the glow plug for over one minute. </font color=blue>

Jim,

Thats a good way to have to replace glow plugs early. Too bad you don't have electricity, the block heater is the way to go. Do you get better results than say running the plugs for 20 sec?

When it is real cold & you don't have a block heater, there is nothing wrong with the motor if it won't start on the first try.

35-40 deg outside and in a garage, should be working better than that!

leadcons · Dec 12, 2002

Jim:

Where in VT are you and who did you buy from?

I live in Georgia, VT and am looking at BX2200's and NH TC21d's as we speak!

Thanks

Tom

Charliebrn · Dec 12, 2002

I live in NW Ohio and have no problem starting it down to about 25 degrees. Lower than that, It still starts fairly easily but sputters a lot for around 10 seconds. Lower than 15 degrees, I always use the block heater, and it starts just like its summer. Id change out the diesel to see if that helps, and do like the others said, get it from a local truck stop. I've had a couple bad tanks of diesel, and it does just like you are experiencing.

Good luck and keep us posted....

thefarm · Dec 12, 2002

I have a '93 2120 Ford and I sometimes don't even need the glow plugs.Starts great and doesn't spit and sputter.But that BX 1800 is a whole differant story.Have to use the glow plugs at 30 out or I crank and crank.I blamed it on the motor.I use the same fuel for both.I feel the Kubota is a hard stating motor.I'm having the same problem too.