Sputtering BX

[George the Beagle]

BX 1860 occasionally sputters and dies. I changed both fuel filters last fall and still had problems over the winter. Hoping that I had water in the fuel, I change both filters again. When changing the one underneath the tractor, I figured I'd drain off a quart or so from the tank (after letting it sit 24 hours so the water would settle to the bottom). When I disconnected the filter, I took off the vise grips and....no fuel flow at all! I blew a little air back up through the line which then started a healthy flow of fuel. So, I'd say there is some crud in the tank. Which means.............uh oh........the tank has to come off?? I hope not. Unless, of course, someone has a better idea......!!!!!

 

[Egon]

Drain the tank and have a look to see what's in it. Then make some plans.

 

[Scooby074]

There was some issues with the fuel float and other metal items in the tank corroding IIRC. That means pulling the tank and replacement if you want a permanent fix.

Personally Id upgrade the filter to a Racor and monitor the bowl. If you get a repeat, open up the tank and see whats up. If you have access to a borescope (surprisingly cheap now) you might be able to see something without disassembly when the tank is empty.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I think you can see the fuel outlet down thru the filler neck on a BX. Once you get the tank empty have a look ... might be tenuous crud you can push/flush thru the port.

 

[mikesee]

I had the same problem with my BX2660, intermittent sputtering, no fuel flow from the tank to the first filter. Would blow air into the tank and it would be fine for a while then start sputtering again. Took it to dealership for fuel tank removal and cleaning plus new float mechanism. 8 hours labor to complete the task so you can figure how much it cost. Dealer said there were 'leafs' in the tank.

 

[lakeside]

I'd try draining most of the fuel out and then use a hand held suction pump with a long tube to suck up what's left which should also clean up any crud. If taking the tank off is a real hassle, there are also oil suction pumps made to suck oil from sumps such as boats engines. You might want to see how much they cost versus the cost and trouble of taking the tank off. In my area, they were selling for around $100.

Since diesel is not all that flammable you could try and use a shop vac to really suck up the fuel. Even though diesel isn't really flammable, the vapors may be flammable though.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I would second the idea of using the shop vac to suck out the tank. IF you are concerned about flammability of the diesel, you could use a 5 gallon bucket like hydraulic oil comes in. cut a hole in the top that is same size as tip of your shop vac suction hose (it is tapered) then shove the hose in to make a tight seal. You could then use another suction hose or a piece of water hose to put into the opposite side of the lid and seal it good, then use that to suck out the fuel and any debris that is in it. Much cheaper and easier than removing the tank.

 

[Egon]

I'd try an air educator for cleaning the tank.

 

[DT86]

I would second the idea of using the shop vac to suck out the tank.

Yes, works well.

First saw it done at a dealers shop and have done it since myself.

 

[JWR]

Some have reported a stray fuel can lid having fallen into the tank. All sorts of obstruction possibilities of course. I know of one BX2200 where the tank was removed, steam cleaned and put back plus all the filters changed. There can even be biological growth in the things. Some of the clean-out additives cover bio agents in the fine print.