BX24 intermittent power loss - any advice?

[diggindoc]

My BX24 (270 hours) has developed an intermittent engine power loss. The engine revs suddenly drop, say from 2800 during normal operation, down to below 1500 and it seems the engine is about to stall. If I let up on the hydrostatic pedal, and/or disengage the mower if it was running, the engine recovers over 10 seconds or so. But the whole thing recurs a minute or two later. It seems to happen most frequently under load - say operating the mower, or going up a 10 degree slope with no implements active.

Things I've eliminated: air filter (changed just 50 hours ago, checked and it's clear); a plugged fuel tank vent cap (symptom happens even with fuel cap off). And the fuel tank is full. I don't think it's the seat switch because it happens even on level pavement with no bouncing, and I'm plenty heavy

I'm thinking it could be the fuel filter or a plugged fuel line. But there seem to be two fuel filters -- one under the chassis that's the devil to get at, and one on the engine next to the injection pump. Which do you think is more likely to plug up? Or do you have other suggestions? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

 

[dodge man]

Its most likely the rear one, but they are pretty cheap, so I'd replace them both. If thats doesn't help, make sure the little lift pump at the back is working. Make sure when you replace the rear filter, you aren't trying to replace the lift pump, it looks like a fuel filter, but is silver in color. You will have to remove the deck to replace the rear filter. If you turn the key on, but don't start the tractor, you should hear the lift pump clicking. Mine has about 320 hours, and I'm on my 3rd set of fuel filters, and mine started acting up like yours is twice.

 

[radioman]

I concur with the devilishly one to get at to replace first. Don't you hate the hardest thing to do is the fastest way to repair things?! :confused2:

 

[diggindoc]

Thanks, Dave, that is helpful. If you've needed to replace fuel filters that often, then it's probably what's going on for me too. I'll try it. Thanks!

 

[Texas Fella]

When you remove the filter, check and see if there is water in it (I think the inline filter on the BX is a frosty/clear color. It sounds to me like there is water in the fuel. Not saying it is, just sounds like it. It happens a lot, even to people who "use the same fuel in all equipment, always fresh and clean, no water." Just a thought, migh as well check it to be sure.

 

[diggindoc]

Just to wrap this thread up -- I took everyone's advice and changed out the fuel filter under the chassis first even though it required a little arm bath in diesel fuel to get the job done. It looked a bit grungy, and the residual fuel in it wouldn't drain out through the filter element which I figured was a bad sign. I put the new one in, replaced the fiddly spring clamps with stainless steel hose worm-drive clamps to make things easier next time.

Now my wife is off mowing the orchard with it, and if she doesn't come back for a few hours, that would mean it's fixed (although it also means dinner may be real late). Thanks for the advice!

 

[rdsaustintx]

Oh well, too late to warn ya...

Both fuel filters are pretty easy to get at. On the rear, PUT A HEMOSTAT ON THE FUEL LINE FIRST, prevents diesel shower.

:ashamed: