spurlocktool
Bronze Member
My BX1500 had been getting harder to start, needing several seconds of cranking. I noticed that it would only start if I advanced the throttle quite a bit, which made me worry that maybe compression was low. Turned out the problem was just the fuel shut-off solenoid (Engine Stop Solenoid) was hanging up and not opening or barely opening. This apparently prevented the injectors from getting enough fuel.
Normally after turning off the key to shut down the engine there should be a fairly loud clacking noise 5-7 seconds later when the Engine Stop Solenoid releases and rests in the open position, allowing fuel to flow to the injectors the next time the engine is cranked. (After turning off the key, the solenoid immediately stops fuel flow to the injectors, which stops the engine after a few revolutions. The Timer Relay keeps the fuel turned off for several seconds to make sure the engine has stopped before letting the solenoid open again.) I finally noticed that after turning off the engine this clacking noise was missing, I only heard a faint click of the timer relay. I took the stop solenoid out and found it jammed with dust. It has rubber boots at each end but also a vent hole in one of the boots which lets in dirt. So the timer relay was turning off power to the solenoid but it was not opening up because of friction. Or at least not opening up completely.
I peeled the rubber boots back and blew the dirt out, then dusted the solenoid plunger with Teflon powder. Now the tractor starts instantly even with the throttle at idle position.
Normally after turning off the key to shut down the engine there should be a fairly loud clacking noise 5-7 seconds later when the Engine Stop Solenoid releases and rests in the open position, allowing fuel to flow to the injectors the next time the engine is cranked. (After turning off the key, the solenoid immediately stops fuel flow to the injectors, which stops the engine after a few revolutions. The Timer Relay keeps the fuel turned off for several seconds to make sure the engine has stopped before letting the solenoid open again.) I finally noticed that after turning off the engine this clacking noise was missing, I only heard a faint click of the timer relay. I took the stop solenoid out and found it jammed with dust. It has rubber boots at each end but also a vent hole in one of the boots which lets in dirt. So the timer relay was turning off power to the solenoid but it was not opening up because of friction. Or at least not opening up completely.
I peeled the rubber boots back and blew the dirt out, then dusted the solenoid plunger with Teflon powder. Now the tractor starts instantly even with the throttle at idle position.
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