BCS850 won't start

Tractorganic · Jan 29, 2011

Was running the snow blower attachment on my 850 back and forthat a mean snowdrift. Flipped into rev. one last time , heard high p[itch grind noise and it died. Auger spins freely, it's out of gear both pto and drive trany, but no start. Fuel is full, carb doesn't smell fuely, pulled plugs and pulled the cord several times to stop flooding. Almost starts on 1'st pull but then it's just an exercise machine. Any help welcome. I'm in CT which has suddenly become arctic and plow trucks just make garage glaciers!

oldmech · Jan 30, 2011

Hi! Your BCS 850 engine is not winterized. I think May be carburator engine is frosted by very cold air. Here a trick of mine. I put a heavy blanket over engine and in same time I put one electric spotlight under engine. For about one hour. Engine start and run very well. Good Luck Oldmech

Tractorganic · Jan 30, 2011

Thank you Oldmech but still same problem after warm up. It gave a pretty good purr then died and wouldn't make any starting sounds after that. I checked the kill-switch circuit manually and unplugged/replugged the spade connector but as said, no good. This is serious, now I can't get to my wood pile but; I "should" get my New Holland tractor back from service this week (yeah, sure). Getting new tire chains, a little late, huh?
I can't believe I get to complain to someone from Quebec about snow stuff. We've more snow here in Connecticut than Quebec and more is on the way!
Oh well it's the poor man's mulch hey?
Chris,
Farming organically for 30 yrs. at Blue Moon Farm

bilrus61 · Jan 30, 2011

What make engine has it got? Honda? I have a Yamaha ATV that will all the sudden just refuse to start. Its always been the spark plug. I first will notice it just takes a tad longer to start then like a lightswitch it refuses to turn over. I'll put in a new NGK plug and it fires up and runs great. The old plug will look "ok" but it is shot. I used my ATV lots and a plug will last about a year and a half. If you've not changed your plug I would remove the old plug. Put about a teaspoon of gas in the cylinder, put in new plug and then see how it runs.

Tractorganic · Jan 30, 2011

It's a Brigs + Straton V twin and last fall had new NGK plugs.and fuel filter.The fuel is special high octane no alcohol Small Engine Fuel I get in 5 gal. cans.
I'm clueless 'cuz it ran well for about 15 min. in the cold then quit.
Thank you,
Chris

Craig Clayton · Jan 30, 2011

Did you put any gasoline antifreeze in the fuel tank, You could be icing up the carb.
Craig Clayton

oldmech · Jan 30, 2011

Hi! After engine dies Check for sparks if good sparks may be Frost in carburator. Check also air vent in gas cap. If no sparks May be coil or electonic module faulty.
For snow in Quebec You are right! I just clean my drive way 4 times. We are jealous of you! Good luck! Oldmech

Tractorganic · Jan 30, 2011

I'm going to the repair shop tomorrow and will ask if the SEF94 fuel that I use requires any antifreeze. It is 94 octane w/ no alcohol so it doesn't suck up moisture, but I'll ask.
I will look into plug test and possible coil or electronics probs.
Thank you everyone!
Chris

farmerboybill · Jan 31, 2011

Hey Chris,

The high pitched whining is because the reverse didn't fully engage. This should not have killed the engine, though. I think they're mutually exclusive problems.

I had a V-twin Briggs on my 850 before I mounted a Kohler (lombardini) diesel and didn't like the engine at all. It sure sounds like you're describing a fuel delivery problem. Perhaps there was a little water in the gasoline tank? There's a way to drain the fuel outta the carb float bowl, I just can't remember how. It's gotta be some sort of screw or petcock and tube on the bottom of the bowl. Sorry, I can't be more specific, but I dumped that engine two years ago. Also check for kinks in the fuel line and see if there's a fuel filter on it. Another remedy in to use a little "HEET" in the fuel. It's just adding alcohol - what you apparently didn't want in your fuel in the first place - but it may work.

Another thought - does it have a low-oil sensor? Of so, check for oil level and unplug the sensor once you determine it has enough.

The best remedy is to take it off and buy a Koher diesel!

Bill in WI

Tractorganic · Feb 3, 2011

It turned out to be a piece of dirt caught in the carburettor. An economical fix; but a major pain with downtime during snow and ice storms forcing us to shovel and chop ice!
Thank's everyone,
Chris