Kubota BX2670 Fuel Filter Freezing up in Cold Weather

[John Atkisson]

My BX25D was behaving exactly like yours. I had changed out the front fuel filter but decided to hold off changing the one under the deck because it is a major PITA. Well, that was the problem- changed it and it ran fine.

 

[botaproducts]

A couple of years ago, I had an issue with the fuel filter on my Kubota BX2670 freezing up in cold weather. In below freezing weather, I'd start up the tractor and let it idle and after a couple of minutes the engine would sputter and stall out. I wouldn't be able to start the engine again as the frozen filter prevented fuel from getting to the fuel injection pump.

I replace the front fuel filter and that helped, but after a year I had the same problem. Rather than change out the filter again, I just used an electric hair dryer and warmed the fuel filter on the side of the engine. I could then start the engine, let it warm up, and didn't have a problem with the filter freezing up and cutting off fuel as the tractor engine heat kept the filter from freezing. I used this procedure all last winter here in Northern Michigan.

Yesterday, it was about 14 def F and I was getting ready to snow blow the driveway. As usual, I warmed up the front fuel filter with a hair dryer for about 8 minutes, started the tractor, and let it sit idling for about 15 minutes to warm up. I jumped on the tractor, and started to blow snow and everything seemed normal. After about another 8 minutes, the tractor engine started to sputter and bog down. With the throttle in the low position, the engine would run very rough but it would idle. If I increased the throttle, it would run rougher and almost stall out. The key is the engine was getting fuel as it would run, but it would run very rough.

I let the tractor sit for about an hour or two as I drove to town to get some kind of diesel fuel stabilizer/non-gelling additive (Howes) as I thought I'd give that a try. When I returned home, I added a little fuel stabilizer to the tank and did my normal procedure. I warmed the front fuel filter for about 5 minutes, started the tractor and let it idle for about 10 minutes. I then started to blow snow and after about 10 minutes, the tractor again started to sputter and bog down.

I understand I probably have moisture with my diesel fuel, but it seems wierd that it would run normal for about 8 to 10 minutes and then all of a sudden, the engine would sputter and bog down. It would idle very rough, but wouldn't stall out unless I increased the fuel throttle. Only if I let the tractor sit for a couple of hours would I be able to get it to temporarily run normal again.

Any ideas, recommendations? I am using winter grade diesel fuel that was bought in middle of November so it should be rated for this cold weather. Why Kubota doesn't put a fuel water separator on these tractors is beyond me. Thanks for the help!

3 things you can do to get rid of the problem. Go to wwwbxtractorparts.com and pick up a BX remote fuel filter kit (over 5000 sold all over the world) that has a Kubota L filter with water separator on it & a shut off valve. Then during winter months use an additive like 911 (the gray one not the red one) also keep your fuel topped off as much as you can to avoid water droplets forming on the upside of the fuel tank.

 

[RjCorazza]

My BX25D was behaving exactly like yours. I had changed out the front fuel filter but decided to hold off changing the one under the deck because it is a major PITA. Well, that was the problem- changed it and it ran fine.

You may want to consider replacing and relocating that filter like @dodge man above. It's a real popular mod for the BX machines.
My Racor install (not a BX) replaced the OEM water separator / strainer and it is now even further away from the engine area. I may add a 12v heater if it becomes problematic.

 

[gary_nh]

The game changer for me was blocking the front end vent holes with tape to elevate engine area temps. Blankets, wraps, cardboard, tape...stay clear of the exaust and watch the temp gauge when it gets warmer. I use gaffers tape, stays on all winter and no sticky duct-tape mess.

 

[Yander]

I used Lucas in the tractor tank this year (I don't put it in the bulk tank) and ran both tractors for a while after adding for about 20 minutes while it was still warm. I doubled the amount as it recommends for colder temps and had no issues on Christmas day with temps at low single digits.

 

[strykerAKAmack]

Lucas oil anti gel been working fine for me for years , especially in outdoor tank for heating garage , has a 10 foot 3/8 line outside that always used to freeze up .

 

[WeldGuy]

I've always used Power Service (white bottle) to treat my fuel in winter months. Never had a problem in Ohio winters.
I watched a driver add fuel treatment during a delivery a few years ago. After he filled the tank, he took a five gallon bucket of something and poured it into the underground tank he filled. Certainly less than scientific! LOL

 

[dcarman]

A couple of years ago, I had an issue with the fuel filter on my Kubota BX2670 freezing up in cold weather. In below freezing weather, I'd start up the tractor and let it idle and after a couple of minutes the engine would sputter and stall out. I wouldn't be able to start the engine again as the frozen filter prevented fuel from getting to the fuel injection pump.

I replace the front fuel filter and that helped, but after a year I had the same problem. Rather than change out the filter again, I just used an electric hair dryer and warmed the fuel filter on the side of the engine. I could then start the engine, let it warm up, and didn't have a problem with the filter freezing up and cutting off fuel as the tractor engine heat kept the filter from freezing. I used this procedure all last winter here in Northern Michigan.

Yesterday, it was about 14 def F and I was getting ready to snow blow the driveway. As usual, I warmed up the front fuel filter with a hair dryer for about 8 minutes, started the tractor, and let it sit idling for about 15 minutes to warm up. I jumped on the tractor, and started to blow snow and everything seemed normal. After about another 8 minutes, the tractor engine started to sputter and bog down. With the throttle in the low position, the engine would run very rough but it would idle. If I increased the throttle, it would run rougher and almost stall out. The key is the engine was getting fuel as it would run, but it would run very rough.

I let the tractor sit for about an hour or two as I drove to town to get some kind of diesel fuel stabilizer/non-gelling additive (Howes) as I thought I'd give that a try. When I returned home, I added a little fuel stabilizer to the tank and did my normal procedure. I warmed the front fuel filter for about 5 minutes, started the tractor and let it idle for about 10 minutes. I then started to blow snow and after about 10 minutes, the tractor again started to sputter and bog down.

I understand I probably have moisture with my diesel fuel, but it seems wierd that it would run normal for about 8 to 10 minutes and then all of a sudden, the engine would sputter and bog down. It would idle very rough, but wouldn't stall out unless I increased the fuel throttle. Only if I let the tractor sit for a couple of hours would I be able to get it to temporarily run normal again.

Any ideas, recommendations? I am using winter grade diesel fuel that was bought in middle of November so it should be rated for this cold weather. Why Kubota doesn't put a fuel water separator on these tractors is beyond me. Thanks for the help!

#2 diesel has paraffin in it, while that gives the fuel lubrication qualities and more BTUs, that coagulates in temps down around 0 F and colder. #1 diesel does not have the paraffin and is good to -50 F. This winter grade fuel, is it a blend or straight #1? The fuel filter is where the coagulation always takes place. Adding something like Diesel 911 or the like to your fuel can eliminate this problem.

 

[henerythe8th]

An older machine, but similar issues on a B7100 that I used to own. I had trouble starting mine even when warm! Once started it would run great.
I had allowed the tractor to get good and cold and the issue plagued me for a while.
It was aggravating enough that I bought a new tractor!

THE POINT
After I bought the new Mahindra I was prepping the B7100 for sale when I discovered my real issue, the fuel filter was plugged with paraffin crystals that I could not see. Change the fuel filter and it would be fine
The next time I tried to start I had the same issue.
FOR ME the solution was to remove and wash out the fuel tank, reinstall along with a fresh filter and problem solved!

 

[dodge man]

I’m also running Lucas.

 

[DeerPark5]

I'm originally from Alaska and had a Kubota up there. I lived in the "warmer" wetter Anchorage area and stored my tractor outside. I treated both my tractor and truck fuel all winter after similar issues with both.

 

[Shady oak]

Why don’t you just blend your fuel in winter? Since you have that many problems, 50% #2 and 50% #1 or Kerosene. Life is too short for that much trouble!

 

[Little Red Tractor]

I had a year with bad fuel from a normally dependable source. at about 25 degrees, I couldn't get more than an idle out of my old Cub Cadet with the Cat Diesel. Power service and a new filter got it running. Then I cut the fuel to about 50% kerosene. No problems the rest of the winter. Now, I premix and pretreat. Power Service white and 1/3 kerosene.

 

[Bavarian]

Change your filters and get rid of that fuel that you have in your tank.
Go on YouTube and enter the following: "what is the best anti gel for diesel."

Howes is the worst you can do to your tractor.

I observed some frost on my tank lid. I've use CleenFlo. It removes moisture from the tank.

 

[KWentling]

Change your filters and get rid of that fuel that you have in your tank.
Go on YouTube and enter the following: "what is the best anti gel for diesel."

Howes is the worst you can do to your tractor.

I observed some frost on my tank lid. I've use CleenFlo. It removes moisture from the tank.

I have been a pretty loyal Power Service (white bottle) user for 30+ years but on a road trip needed a new jug and all they had was Howes. Found out that that stuff will freeze in the jug. I don't recall how cold it was but that was my last jug of Howes. Power Service 911 would only be a last resort for me, and I do have a bottle of it in the truck. Have heard from multiple people that it is hard on injection pumps. Come fall every fill up gets a dose of the white bottle.

 

[HAR]

Living in Vermont, like many other places, summer humidity and extreme variations in temperatures are a problem, and no matter what effort is made to keep the fuel tank full, some moisture enters and condenses and eventually will end up in the fuel filter bowl. I have found it a simple task to just remove and drain the fuel filter bowl in later October or early November. Only once did I forget and that was part of a problem. I also take that opportunity to change the fuel filter, as on my B7300, they are not very expensive. If the bowl is not drained of water, that will freeze and potentially cause a fuel problem down the road. I do not see water collecting in my fuel tank, so I feel catching it in the fuel filter bowl is a good option. If there is water in the fuel filter bowl, there is water in the filter element as well. That water will generally freeze and prevent fuel flow long before wax crystals form.

My fuel dealer has off road winter mix (70% #2-30% #1) available after mid-November through mid-March. However, I do keep a can of #1 available, if there is a chance of temps dropping below -20F. I have read articles regarding use of winter blends vs diesel flow additives. One states that a 50-50 blend causes a 2% loss in both energy and economy, and at a higher cost than a diesel flow additive. I do not see a 2% loss as extreme. Regarding comparative costs, I will look into that further, but until then, the winter blend has worked well for me.

 

[BX23S-1]

OP, you`ve GOT TO TREAT the fuel BEFORE putting it in your tractor. Otherwise, its pointless.

I`ve used Power service for years, seemed i couldn`t always depend on it when it got REALLY cold out.
Since switching to the Hot Shots Diesel Winter Anti-Gel, not ever a starting/running problem since i switched brands.

I also bought the aux filter kit for my BX23s from "Mike & Sandy" at botaproducts, best kit on the market.
Mike`s kit eliminates that lousy tiny filter under the tractor. I also replace my fuel filters once a year regardless.
The nice thing is, Mike`s filter kit has a fuel shut off. Changing the fuel filters now only takes minutes, and i`m running again.

 

[DieselBound]

One can get frozen water in the fuel tank and that blocks the line out the fuel tank. Presents an inconsistent running condition. Had that happen with my Kioti: source of problem/water incursion was the locking fuel cap (have a better one now and I put something over it when parked- have not had an issue since). Oh, and I treat my fuel when I refill my bulk tank.

 

[acethunder]

Today I did the following with my Kubota as the temperature was about 14 deg F. I removed the gas cap and cleaned the ice around the "tubes/vents". It did look like it could have been clogged.

I used my hair dryer and warmed the front fuel filter for about 5 minutes. I started the tractor and let it idle and warm up for about 12 minutes. I then hopped on it and began blowing snow for about 10 minutes and then the engine suddenly bogged down and ran very rough. When running rough, I opened the gas cap and that didn't help so the gas cap venting was not causing the issue.

I turned off the engine, got a small electric space heater and put it under the rear fuel filter for about 20 minutes. Every 5 minutes I started up the tractor, and again the engine would run very rough. After about 20 minutes, I added a little 911 to the the gas tank and while the heater underneath was still on. I waited 5 more minutes and started the tractor. It started up and the engine appeared to run fine. I let it warm up for about 8 minutes and then started blowing snow. I blew snow for the next 4 hours and the tractor ran very well.

I don't know if it was applying heat to the rear fuel filter or the combination of applying heat and using the 911 in the fuel tank. In any case, I was happy to get my Kubota running again in this cold weather as I have to clear about 2 feet of snow in an area where I have 9 Scottish Highlands. I was getting nervous as my small cattle operation here in Northern Michigan depends on clearing snow so I can put out hay bales and clear a path to a small pond that I use to fill the cows water tanks.

If my filters are clogging up with parafin wax, will the 911 remove the wax or should I still change the fuel filters? My front fuel filter probably has less than 30 hours on it. I've been assuming my fuel filters were freezing up do to water, not wax.

Replace filters and drain fuel. Add new fuel because you’ve got too much water in it.

 

[Bronco Carl]

I grew up on a farm in Nebraska with a lot of livestock in the 50`s and 60`s that has to be fed, so there was no diesel tractors we had the only JD 4020 gas I ever new of. Look up comfort cover for vintage tractors on the internet. Not only do these things keep the operator warm THEY HOLD HEAT ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE keeping your diesel fuel filters warm. Also may have to block off 1/2 of the radiator.