Kubota BX24 running rough, lots of white smoke

[BuckeyeWilly]

My old BX24 just started running badly with tons of white smoke. I think it was bought in 2004 and has done a lot of work for me with very few problems. I have managed to fix any issues it ever had and never had it back to the dealership. No idea how many hours are on it as meter hasn't worked in years. A good friend said check the fuel injectors as he had the same problem on one of his big tractors and a new injector took care of it.

The back injector did affect the running. When I would loosen it the tractor seemed to run better with little smoke. So I bought 3 new injectors (found a good deal) and replaced all 3. I also went ahead and replaced both fuel filters. Put it back together and the problem still exists. I am beginning to fear the worse for the ole girl. I use the 24 setup strictly with loader and backhoe to take care of 17 acres. It has done a ton of work for me, cannot complain. I bought a BX2370 a couple of years ago strictly for mowing.

Any ideas? I hate to buy a new tractor right now. Just recovering from a heart attack and then bypass surgery so being extra careful being out in public. Not near back to my old self yet

 

[RickB]

Drain the tank and put fresh diesel fuel in it. Sounds like it has a dose of gasoline in the tank.

 

[07wingnut]

Coolant leaking into the cylinder because 1) blown head gasket (preferred) or 2) cracked cylinder head (don't want that one).

 

[5030]

... and you keep running it, it will destroy the head eventually.

 

[DieselMonk]

Do a compression test.

 

[BuckeyeWilly]

Listening to your replies I am thinking I have reached my limit as far as troubleshooting and fixing the tractor. I will see if I can find a good diesel man close by and get it to him. Would hate to have to get rid of it. Loader and backhoe are in good shape. Possibly find an engine for it if it comes to that. Thanks guys !!

 

[Agvg]

Loosing coolant? How does it start cold and warm?

 

[BrokenTrack]

With a diesel engine, black smoke is a fuel issue, while white smoke is a coolant issue. That is a pretty simple rule of diesel mechanics, but it really holds true.

As other have said, it is probably a blown head gasket. That is an easy fix though, and not that expensive.

 

[BuckeyeWilly]

Update. Tractor is at dealership. Cracked block, head gasket etc. Estimate of $2800. tractor is 15 years old so do i go ahead and rebuild the motor or bite the bullet on a new one at roughly $19250 equipped with loader and backhoe.

 

[Diggin It]

^^ If you can handle it, I'd suggest go new. Try to sell the old one to someone who needs a fixer upper and has the ability to do so. Or is that price with some sort of trade?

Just an FYI though, mine was less than that including a 48" tiller.

 

[kthompson]

Would you be able to use the fel loader and backhoe on your other tractor? Would they work on a new tractor? Has the dealer given you any idea on a price you could sell them for? If yes to either of the first two I would think you would use them if not then would suspect you could easy sell them. Might help narrow price for buying new. I don't know on that size tractor but a full size tractor that age and if hours are reasonable and everything else is good...would fix it. If you fix it what would it then sell for? If you don't fix it the salvage value? I believe you will find it will sell for enough if you just repair it and then sell over selling it as is to justify the repair.

Pray you have a great recovery on the heart issues.

 

[BuckeyeWilly]

^^ If you can handle it, I'd suggest go new. Try to sell the old one to someone who needs a fixer upper and has the ability to do so. Or is that price with some sort of trade?

Just an FYI though, mine was less than that including a 48" tiller.

Diggin it, you are talking a BX with loader & backhoe plus a tiller ? Wow !!

 

[BuckeyeWilly]

Would you be able to use the fel loader and backhoe on your other tractor? Would they work on a new tractor? Has the dealer given you any idea on a price you could sell them for? If yes to either of the first two I would think you would use them if not then would suspect you could easy sell them. Might help narrow price for buying new. I don't know on that size tractor but a full size tractor that age and if hours are reasonable and everything else is good...would fix it. If you fix it what would it then sell for? If you don't fix it the salvage value? I believe you will find it will sell for enough if you just repair it and then sell over selling it as is to justify the repair.

Pray you have a great recovery on the heart issues.

From what I understand the loader and backhoe will not work with a new tractor. Would probably have to try and sell them if I go the new tractor route. Appreciate the prayers and I am slowly getting back to normal.

 

[Diggin It]

Diggin it, you are talking a BX with loader & backhoe plus a tiller ? Wow !!

No. I bought Blue. I don't care for orange.

 

[BuckeyeWilly]

Well guys the motor ended up being beyond repair. Would cost more to fix it then buying a new motor. Decided to buy a new bota BX23S with loader and backhoe. Will have it by the end of the week. Question: going to try and sell the BX24 with loader and backhoe. Looking for recommendations on what I should try to sell it for. Dealer wanted $5400 to install a new motor. Only issue is the motor.

 

[subby]

It is a coolant/water problem. Check compression and the radiator for bubbles, gaskets etc. could be a warped head.

 

[Tomtint]

Well guys the motor ended up being beyond repair. Would cost more to fix it then buying a new motor. Decided to buy a new bota BX23S with loader and backhoe. Will have it by the end of the week. Question: going to try and sell the BX24 with loader and backhoe. Looking for recommendations on what I should try to sell it for. Dealer wanted $5400 to install a new motor. Only issue is the motor.

A year or so ago, My sisters B7510 needed a motor..dealer quoted something like 7k to do the job. We found a very low hour salvage tractor and used that motor in hers. I did the swap myself.. ( my first time splitting a tractor ) It was a lot of work..more than I had planned on but it ended up fine. I was able to do everything but the injector pump and it went to the dealer for that and the initial start up. We paid 1500.00 for the doner tractor, maybe 400.00 in travel/fuel/tolls and another 1,000 to the dealer to button it up, and change all fluids. ..then sold the remnants of the doner tractor for 900.00... so she is all in for pretty short money with a very low hour motor. I think you can probably do the same as thoseBX tractors are so popular. .. The biggest problem may be finding a guy who will tackle the motor swap without going to the dealer.