Oil & Fuel BX Fuel Filter Change Lessons Learned

   / BX Fuel Filter Change Lessons Learned #41  
I've never had any issues with diesel in our tractors (did in a diesel Rabbit years ago, another story) in the winter, but I did research fuel filters/water separators, just in case. Seems like you could add one for $30-40 bucks, and watch the bowl for water and other crude. First time I have an issue, I will get one. Also, check out Fuel Right additive- my oil burner guy swears by it, and he is a specialist who troubleshoots for a living.
 
   / BX Fuel Filter Change Lessons Learned #42  
It was 29 degrees this morning,,
I went out and turned the key on the new to me JD 4105, that only has Mr Funnel filtered fuel in it.
The tractor started like it was 80 degrees outside,,, no pre-heat,,, etc,,,
The battery has a date on it,, it is the original battery. (October 2012)
The tractor has been setting 2 days since the last start,,,
The tractor has 1870 hours. I am HAPPY!! :thumbsup:
 
   / BX Fuel Filter Change Lessons Learned #43  
Same here. I have run a LOT of fuel through this little tractor with zero issues. This is all my fault for not being careful enough.
 
   / BX Fuel Filter Change Lessons Learned #44  
Oh how I wish I had read this posting first, especially about clamping the hose from the fuel tank. It was quite an experience holding one finger on the hose end to stop the flow while using the other hand to replace the filter. I was soaked in diesel from shoulder to fingers. A great write up that I'll save for next time.
 
   / BX Fuel Filter Change Lessons Learned #45  
Before I changed both fuel filters on my BX24 today, I had searched a few different times on TBN for a good thread on what to expect during the service. I really didn't find one that explained any details for those of us that are sorta mechanically challenged. Even reading the operators manual on changing the filters, it says to have your dealer perform the service. I knew it couldn't be that hard and it wasn't. This thread it just to document what lessons learned I encountered that may help others perform this service. I went ahead and changed both of my filters at the 200 hour mark because I saw same black junk in the filters. I probably could have waited until the 500 hour mark as stated in the manual but didn't want to "have to" change the filters because of an actual loss of power.

1. If you have a Bro-Tek rear skid plate, it will have to be removed to access the rear fuel filter.

2. To access the fuel filter on the left side of the engine, the shroud must be removed. I had never removed the shroud, oil filter and air filter is accessible to change without removing the shroud.

3. To remove the shroud, the grill guard must be removed. If never removed before, get a breaker bar of some sort, the bolts are very tight from the factory. The bolts take a 10mm allen wrench. Luckily, I had done a search on what size I needed before I started. It's not stated in the manual on what size you need. When I put the grill guard back on, I reversed how the factory put the bolts on and put the nuts on the outside for easier removal the next time.

4. For both fuel filters, they are mounted with a bracket that use 10mm bolts.

5. Have two clamps on hand to clamp down each end of the fuel filter hose.

6. Have a drip pan under the working area. Even if you have the hose clamped down well, you will get some fuel leakage while removing the filter.

7. On my tractor, each fuel filter was hard to remove. The small clamps that hold the hose to the filter nipples were hard to access. They were put on in a position that was hard to access with my pliers. Also, the hoses were hard to get loose but I was finally able to twist them loose.

8. Once the old filter is off, put the bracket around the new filter and put the hoses on both ends. Place the small clamps up against the filter but make sure you put them in a postion that will make it easier for the next removal.

9. Once both filters have been replaced, I would recommend to not immediately put on your rear skid plate or shroud, just in case one of the filters leak.

10. Bleed fuel lines. This is the easiest part of the process. Turn the ignition to the first position (Run) for 30 seconds and you will hear some gurgling. After 30 seconds in the Run position, start the tractor and let it run for 30 seconds. Turn the tractor off and put everything back on that you took off.
That's a great idea along with long red ribbon like planes have on pitot tubes so I remember to remove it.

tom
I use vice grips needle nosed with a used piece of hose to protect the fuel line. I have also used cardboard.
 
   / BX Fuel Filter Change Lessons Learned #46  
Ok So the BX Design sux the B series design is much more user friendly. My wife is a conspiracy minded person and she thinks it is to get the tractors in for service if they are hard to work on. I think Kubota just cheaped out on the BX line. I changed both filters after i bought the tractor used and it began to lose power under stress when warmed up. Why did they use two filters? WHo knows and Why did they put one of the filters under the mid part of the tractor? UGH WHo Knows!!! But Alas I changed the filters and cleaned my radiator and reinstalled the mower deck. All was well I thought. I mowed two yards twice 2 weeks apart. The next time i mowed the grass was wet and I started having a vibration on the highest rpm's so I backed off and decided it was grass under the deck. I finished mowing and the next week I brought my pressure washer to the farm to clean out the deck after I mowed. Well Damn it, the spring coupling which fits onto the PTO under the tractor came loose and beat the absolute crap out of the bottom of my tractor. It knocked the HYDRO filter loose and I lost all hydraulic fluid. Dead in the water, BOOM! Went to Kubota bought my new filter, 2.5 gallons of fluid, $100 and ordered a new PTO shaft part #k5381-32032 $512.55 with tax. Shazzam.
Moral to the story...as hard as it is to get that spring coupling to snap back into place...(one dealer said he hired two left handed monkeys and bearded lady to replace all of his bx mower drives), make sure it is snapped and snug. OMG!!!! By the way putting the hydraulic fluid into the case is also quite the challenge, the fill hole is up under the Top Link support and is another bugger to get access. Why not put it under the seat like the B series? Who Knows.....Now that I am a BX owner I have looked at the B series and studied the design of the two and the B series is definitely designed for farmer maintenance the BX is designed for, take back to the dealer maintenance. I would just about bet money for the same job the BX rates are higher because of the time it takes the mechanic to do the work. Wish me luck tonight as I put my deck back on the BX with my brand new 512.55 dollar PTO Shaft....Damn It.....take care yall....
 
   / BX Fuel Filter Change Lessons Learned #47  
IMG_0279.JPG
This is how I solved that PITA filter underneath on my BX2380. Bought the fuel line on eBay along with Kubota filter/housing, the fuel lune splicer at Napa, and 2-1/2” aluminum angle( had left over from when I did the 1870). Longest part was custom cutting/fitting the bracket. Only thing I don’t like about the Kubota filter housing is there is no drain on bottom. I thought about getting one of those Racor 12T housings ( cheap eBay knockoffs), but this suffices. This filter is much bigger and probably could eliminate the dinky filter in engine bay, but left that one be. I know owners manual says fuel filter change at 200 or 400 hrs( can’t remember) , but I change it yearly ( usually no more than 100 hrs) . YouTube has buncha videos from Biffs Equipment, many mods he’s done to his BX2370, very helpful…
 
   / BX Fuel Filter Change Lessons Learned #48  
I have posted on this before: I solved the OPs problems easily,
1. Moved the filter under the hood to underneath like the pre-filter.
2. Installed a valve in the fuel line just ahead of the ore-filter. The valve also allowed to to pretty well disabled the tractor from theft if parked other than at home, like using it at my church.

Ron
 
   / BX Fuel Filter Change Lessons Learned #49  
Not great idea relocating both filters underneath tractor in a cold climate. First one under tractor is pita to begin with, then if your fuel gels you’re on your back on ground in cold weather screwing with it, but that’s up to you. Main reason for putting mine on loader frame. Should be double life of the dinky one and you can see if it gets dirty, also should keep one in engine bay cleaner…
 
   / BX Fuel Filter Change Lessons Learned #50  
Rational for me:
1. you have to crawl under for one why not both at same time
2. Considered exterior mount but I was working mine in a lot of wooded/brushey areas, too easy to knock off or damage. Already had a lot of scars on loader arms and body form such encounters.

My tractor was a working machine, 1500 Hrs in 5 years, not a garage queen.

Ron
 
 
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