Yahoo!!.... Float detent works on BX23

[gerford]

I posted a thread in August about my float position not working. I bought a used BX23 with 100 hours on it. I didn't know it had a "float position". After seeing other threads about floating with the BX23 I asked about mine not working. People were kind enough to respond, and I looked at the valve and lubed it, but it did not work. I called the local dealer and found a rebuild kit is not ordered very often and was about $110. So I took it apart again and looked at the schematic of the valve. I found that the caps that cover the lower springs were reversed. The float valve has a ridge that the ball bearing ride in and the ball bearings are only on one of the caps. If the caps are reversed, no detent is available. I put the caps on properly and the float works great. I did find some moisture in the bottom of the ca[ps, so I drilled a couple of weep holes in the bottom.
We've been having a lot of snow lately and the local ski area has over 120" base, so I've been moving some snow. Can't wait for more with the float function working.

 

[icecreamhauler]

I just fixed mine today. the small spring that loads the larger ball bearing was rusted in two. kind of tricky putting it back togather. took me and hour to find the one ball that shoot its self into orbit. ;-)

 

[art]

We pack grease into the cover before we reinstall them. Not to full as the valve does need to move. This helps keep the moisture in check.

 

[icecreamhauler]

I used White grease not sure if that was a good choice but it was what I had.

 

[gerford]

One of the threads I saw said to use grease and thats what I did. If moisture does move through the valve, the workings should be protected.

 

[art]

I used White grease not sure if that was a good choice but it was what I had.

The White grease will work just fine! For snow removal with a front loader or blade I find that the float position is essential. By feathering it in and out it keeps the front end on the ground where it belongs still giving me good down pressure to scrape the built up snow away on the black top.