BX2360 Issues in Cold Weather

[jfhall]

I'm hoping somebody has some ideas where to start. For most of last winter I had issues with it running in the winter, even when the temperature wasn't overly cold (15 - 20 degrees even). We did have some cold days last year previous to when the problems started so I assumed the issue to be diesel gelling issues as I didn't treat the fuel. It does have a block heater so the fix was to plug it in for a few hours and try again. Just frustrating since I want to do what I want to do now, not in 6 hours!

I had a full service done on it near the end of the winter, fuel filters replaced, etc. and spring came. Used it all spring/summer/fall of course with no issues. Cold weather started to come so I picked up fresh fuel, treated it and got ready for winter. I wake up this morning to 12" of snow. It's been cold lately (10 degrees), and am having issues this morning with it again. = stranded at home for the next 6 hours!

Symptoms (same as last year):
- I turn the key, warm the plugs for 20 secs and tractor starts fine
- Idles rough for 5 - 10 secs then smoothens out and sounds fine (I leave it idling low to warm up)
- 3-5 minutes later (still just at an idle) it starts to run rough then stalls
- Now won't start at all without being on the block heater for half a day

This is year 3 of having the tractor. Never had these issues through year one. Had a B7610 previously and never had issues with it either. The obvious answer is gelling but why does it run for minutes first. I have also treated the fuel. Last year at one point I pulled the injectors and cranked it over to make sure I was getting fuel and I was.

Do others have issues with their BX tractors? I saw one other post hear wear the symptoms were similar but no answer (http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ng/161210-bx2360-glow-plugs-cold-weather.html).

Just very frustrated - need a reliable tractor when I need it, not 6 hours later.

Thanks for the ideas

 

[AStanton]

I've got a BX-25. To date I will say, that compared to any generator, log splitter, ATV, chainsaw or whatever, it's the best starting machine I've ever owned. It pops right off, even after a 4-month sleep in my garage after winter. I would bet you got some bad fuel. There's a miracle product called Sea Foam. It's a fuel treatment product that can be put in diesel or gas. Get some from Napa and try it. It might purge your system.
Good luck.

 

[jfhall]

Thanks for your reply. I can certainly give that stuff a try. I did treat the fuel before adding it to the tractor with a product that prevents gelling (up to -40) and is a cetane booster so I'm not sure if the fix is that simple. I certainly wish it was!

One hour on the heater and still no go. I wouldn't care if it took less than half a day to get it going with the heater...

 

[jfhall]

this is the stuff that I added to the fuel last time I filled up. then ran the tractor for an hour

DIESEL FUEL SUPPLEMENT® +Cetane Boost®: Arctic Formula ? use when temperatures drop below 30°F. for maximum winter operability.

it certainly seems like a fuel issue but I thought I did everything right in order to prevent this issue again this year

 

[rbarker]

My BX25 starts are runs great in the cold as well but my BX2200 wasn't as good. I had the block heater plugged into a switched outlet and would turn it on well in advance of needing it. The one time I had gelling issues I used a space heater under the tractor since the fuel usually gells prior to getting to the motor. If it's not gelled fuel ( or water) then I have no idea where else to look. Hope you get it figured out soon!

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[unbidden]

I have a BX2660, 4th winter with it and have had no issues starting. I do keep it in a tent/shelter. My question is, when you did a full service, did they replace the glow plugs? By the way, I also use SeaFoam during the winter months.

 

[Leejohn]

Look at your last invoice and see if 2 fuel filters were put on.

 

[wmonroe]

The fact that it is starting fine and running and then it stalls tells me it is a fuel delivery issue. Do the BX's use a lift pump?

 

[Gordon Gould]

The Power Service you are using should be as good as anything I would think and should prevent gelling if you have the correct mixture. It does sound like fuel. If you take the filter off can you see gelled fuel ? I don't know anything about your BX but if if starts good the first time in the cold your glow plugs must be OK. The only common thing left is fuel gelling or ice, or no air air. Do you have a screen filter in the fuel line somewhere or a restriction ?

edit: Bill's a faster typer.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Another thought. It is posible you are sucking air in the fuel line and some how it is only a problem in cold weather.