Black BX

MReeter · Aug 28, 2001

I've got a problem I hope you all can help me out with.All of a sudden I'm getting a Black residue all over the BX.It looks like soot,I don't know if this is residue from un-burned fuel.Engine is running flawlessly, not smoking and does'nt seem to be "loading up".There a residue in the tip of exhaust,but seems normal.I have cleaned air filter(was'nt dirty) have changed fuel filter,have always burned the same fuel.Tractor has 108 hours,and did'nt start doing this until I brought it back from the Dealer,who repaired the Hydro pedal.I don't know if there is some kind of a "Breather Tube" somewhere that might be plugged.Picture shows the build-up after only 30 minutes of mowing.The right side of mower is just as bad or worse,and the exhaust is out of the left front corner.I'm at a loss,I'm hoping some of the experts might lead me in the right direction. Thanks for any imput,Mike

kubmech · Aug 28, 2001

Mike, here's what I'm pretty sure the problem is. Has it been relatively hot and dry in your area? If it has, what you are most likely seeing is grass mold spores building up. Had this problem years back, cust. swore it was belt dust from the mower, came back several times and could'nt find anything wrong (pulled my hair out trying to find something). Found the answer in the John Deere dealer tech data base.

beenthere · Aug 28, 2001

I would also suspect mold (or something) from the grass you are mowing. I had that same thing on my deck last week, but today didn't see any. Hopefully that is it, and not something serious. It shows up real well on the yellow deck, but washes right off.

MReeter · Aug 29, 2001

Yes,I thought about a Blight or Mold also,I'm going to mow this evening with the 1900 and see if I get the same results.Last week we had over 3" of rain,and I could'nt imagine the grass being the culprit here.This stuff just rinses off with no problem,but it sure looks like "Diesel something".

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by MReeter on 08/29/01 07:32 AM (server time).</FONT></P>

TractorTim · Aug 29, 2001

I have a BX2200 with a grill guard that has 25 hrs on it. The grill guard is covered with the black residue from the exhaust pipe that discharges on it. I have not noticed the black stuff anywhere else on the tractor, but I wash it after every use.

I would say it is not mold & that it is exhuast. I considered this to be normal???

MReeter · Aug 30, 2001

I mowed with our 1900 last night and the "Black Stuff" was all over it in about 30 min. I was relieved that the grass was the problem and not the equipment.Had a B2150 that had the exhaust turned down horizontally,with the loader attached the exhaust blew right on the left arm of the loader,leaving the "Black Stuff" on the frame.Not much can be done about this other than wash often,sounds like you've got that covered.

Charliebrn · Aug 30, 2001

Yup, it's "normal". My dealer mentioned the possibility of putting on a deflector on the exhaust pipe, since mine leaves a coating of soot on the loader frame. It washes off, but I'm basically lazy and would rather it not go on the frame to begin with. Anyone think a deflector would be a bad idea????

GlueGuy · Aug 30, 2001

I've considered that same sort of idea on Lucy (B7500). There is always a little coating of soot on the frame right below the exhaust. A slightly longer exhaust pipe, or a deflector is all it would take. Oh! I know! A chrome exhaust tip!

The GlueGuy