BX1500 Engine Dies Restarts Later

[AKFord]

I tried using the Search function with no success before asking here so please forgive me if this topic has been discussed and already answered. The last few times I've used my BX1500 (2004 model, 260 HRS) to clear snow the engine has died and if I can get it restarted it sputters for a few seconds then dies again; this happens about 30 minutes into using it. If I wait about 20 minutes it starts and runs fine again. I am using "winter fuel", the temps have been in the 15 to 25 F range (that 's above zero), I have an anti-gelling additive (can't remember the name but it's good quality stuff made in Canada). It isn't an intermittent problem like an electrical issue short or cut-out, the fuel pump runs fine and fills the filters just fine, the air filter is fine and it isn't overheating. I replaced the fuel filters and that didn't seem to make a difference. Has anyone experienced anything like this or have any ideas as to what my problem might be? Thank you for any input.

Jeremy

 

[dex3361]

Have you checked the fuel filters? Sounds like you may have a plugged filter.

 

[jamestucci]

my guess would be coil is over heating, is it a points system? if so change them. sounds electrical to me.

 

[George the Beagle]

Coil? Points? Diesel?

 

[gwdixon]

That is a classic characteristic of adding gasoline to the diesel fuel. Not saying that is what is happening but it could be.

Did someone else refuel the tractor recently? Are your diesel cans yellow or at least marked? (The voice of experience.)

Try draining the tank, add some fresh diesel, and see what happens.

 

[radioman]

That is a classic characteristic of adding gasoline to the diesel fuel. Not saying that is what is happening but it could be.

Did someone else refuel the tractor recently? Are your diesel cans yellow or at least marked? (The voice of experience.)

Try draining the tank, add some fresh diesel, and see what happens.

Since you said you already replaced fuel filters meaning both same time right ? I see you think you are using winter fuel with additive but I think you might got one of 3 things here: water in fuel, bad batch of winter fuel, or crap like algae in tank plugging the outlet line.

 

[Kanook]

Sounds like water in the fuel delivery somewhere if it happens at those temperatures. Water will collect at a low point and at those temps freeze,expand and choke off the fuel flow...in my case at the fuel filter as it is at the lowest point..If your filter is notthe 'bowl' type you may need to change filters a few times to eliminate to water. That has been my experience on occasion once the temps fall below freezing..

 

[EE_Bota]

All the things they mentioned, but I've heard things on here like something in the tank that blocks the tank exit. I've heard of a clogged air vent in the fuel cap. I've heard of weak fuel pumps. The cap is easy ..next time it stalls, take off the cap and see if you hear air rush in. I suppose if a tractor did have a clogged vent, going from warm area to a colder one would cause a vacuum to form in the tank.

Due to the temperatures you mention, it is easy to see why folks suspect water freezing in the fuel.

 

[ritschner]

I did two repairs in a two week period with the same symptoms. On was a Honda Rancher and the other a Cub Kitty riding mower. Both had the same issue. Trash or grass entering the fuel tank and plugging the nipple for the fuel line or trash clogging the fuel inlet screen, and both due to neglected fuel cans. On a tractor with no screen the opening is small and all it takes is one small blade of grass to restrict the opening. The fuel flows slowly and the tractor will start if sitting for a while. After a few minutes the filters will run dry and the unit will stall. After another few minutes the filters will refill and the unit will run again for a while. You can try removing the cap and blowing air backwards to try and dislodge the clog, but in the case of a piece of grass you have to remove the line from the tank and use an awl or tweezers to remove it. The best remedy is to keep fuel cans clean and capped, and clean the openings of fuel tanks prior to fueling.

 

[AKFord]

Thanks to everyone for all of the input, I appreciate it greatly. I will keep a close eye on my filters and see if they are empty when the engine has died on me. I suspect that I do have something blocking the fuel flow. I like the idea of something (debris, etc...) blocking the line from the tank or the outlet from the tank. Thanks again to everyone.

Jeremy