BX Move the fuel filter without a kit?

winddance · Mar 1, 2023

I have searched and haven't found anything on this. Lots of posts, maybe I missed it. I have changed my underbody fuel filter several times and I am sick of doing it. Usually because it clogs in the winter.
Is there any problem with just moving the underbody fuel filter under the hood? Has anyone done this? Just running two hoses from underneath and putting a stock or similar filter on the hoses, and strap it down under the hood. Seems to be plenty of places to strap it on. Thanks in advance.

JWR · Mar 1, 2023

Well, you can probably put it anywhere but why bother? I would think the location is not going to change anything for you and might (if you have my kind of luck) just cause trouble.

Eagle1 · Mar 1, 2023

Only concern it that that filter is before your lift pump under the tractor. If you relocate it there will be no filter keeping trash out of the lift pump.

bdhsfz6 · Mar 1, 2023

I'm not sure about your question but have you tried filtering your fuel and adding conditioner before putting it in the tank?

I use a spin on filter and a water separator on my bulk tank and rarely have trouble on any of my tractors.

JWR · Mar 1, 2023

If it "clogs on the winter" is it really clogging per se or is it just getting gel for fuel due to low temps? Below 12 deg F ? Where are you located?

5030 · Mar 1, 2023

Interestingly, both of my Kubota's have factory welded tabs on the right loader upright to relocate the fuel filters (which I have never done anyway). Instead a installed a Racor in line filter before the OEM filters and I've since never fiddled with them Just change the spin on Racor filter which has a see through bottom bowl so I canh see how much contaminates are present.

RjCorazza · Mar 1, 2023

That shouldn't be an issue as long as the filters position in the fuel system is not changed. If I remember correctly, the BX fuel system is the same as on my ZD326 and previous ZD331 mower : Tank > Filter 1 > Electric Lift Pump > Filter 2 > Injection Pump.

I replaced the first inline filter on my ZD mowers (not the current ZD1211 though) with a large 2 micron cartridge filter. I've never had to bother with the second inline filter since.

dodge man · Mar 1, 2023

This picture is what I did with mine. There is a fuel line running to the tank from this new filter and then back again to the fuel pump. I can’t think of a reason you couldn’t just use a factory filter in this spot instead of the Racor unit I used. Sorry, forgot the picture.

i7win7 · Mar 1, 2023

You need about 7' of fuel line, splice and some decent clamps. keep relocated filter low - it' gravity feed from the tank.

BX23S-1 · Mar 1, 2023

Just relocate the filter. Pretty easy solution.
You could take the rear one out, then install it up behind the other one at the engine. You`ll still have 2 filters inline before the injection pump.

Leejohn · Mar 1, 2023

i moved the filter and fuel pump up under my hood. Removed the oem filter before injector pump and added a filter with sight glass bowl and shut off . Ever thing all in one small spot.

frogpond · Mar 6, 2023

Yes, the filter physical location shouldn't matter, as long as the hose arrangement keeps the filter in line upstream from the fuel pump. I bought a kit with a spin on filter, but there's no reason you couldn't just relocate the original one yo make changing it easier.

dj1701 · Mar 10, 2023

I have yet to do it, but is it really that hard to change?

i7win7 · Mar 10, 2023

dj1701 said:
I have yet to do it, but is it really that hard to change?

It's above the mower deck, in front of the hydro cooling fan. If you leave the mower on over the winter, most owners will rotate the mower height control to the TOP setting. If the filter gels up, motor dies, can't unlock mower deck if 3pt won't rise. You can do nothing and wait for warmer weather, but most new BX owners find this to be unacceptable solution to the problem.

dj1701 · Mar 10, 2023

i7win7 said:
It's above the mower deck, in front of the hydro cooling fan. If you leave the mower on over the winter, most owners will rotate the mower height control to the TOP setting. If the filter gels up, motor dies, can't unlock mower deck if 3pt won't rise. You can do nothing and wait for warmer weather, but most new BX owners find this to be unacceptable solution to the problem.

I take it off during the winter so I should be good.

js5020 · Mar 10, 2023

If there is one thing I despise its the bottom filter setup. The major issue for me is there is no shut off valve and the hose is so short its is difficult to pinch off and have room to remove the clip and filter without wearing an abundance diesel.

NHBX · Mar 10, 2023

js5020 said:
If there is one thing I despise its the bottom filter setup. The major issue for me is there is no shut off valve and the hose is so short its is difficult to pinch off and have room to remove the clip and filter without wearing an abundance diesel.

Ditto on the crappy location,
Also after the 1st filter change on my BX24 I put an inline shutoff between the tank and 1st filter. Made it much easier to stay dry lol. It also makes it easy to drain a bit of fuel from the tank to check for water and crap when changing filter. Its similar to this one.

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dieselbob69 · Mar 10, 2023

I made my own setup after seeing someone charge $200+ for it, mounted it on outside of left loader saddle.I bought all materials for about $150(bought a 6’ piece of 2-1/2” aluminum angle ($30)and 25’ of fuel line off eBay(around $20)The oem Kubota filter housing was $80, the 5/16” hose splice about $5 from Napa, some black plastic wire protector (1/2” I think) from Harbor Freight for around $5 to protect line from rub spots, some spring hose clamps for around $5, and some zip ties. I made one for my BX1870, then another one for the BX2380( had the angle and fuel line already from first one). Custom made the mount bracket for fitment from aluminum angle. Where filter is underneath is where you put the hose splice, then run the line to the outside mount, then I ran a line back to the inline electric pump. Only thing I don't like about the Kubota housing over the Racor is that it doesn't have a drain on bottom of bowl...

dieselbob69 · Mar 10, 2023

dj1701 said:
I have yet to do it, but is it really that hard to change?

you obviously haven't even looked at its placement. I did change it a few times on the BX1870 over the years. really a PITA. Needs to be done with deck off. 10mm socket to get the filter strap off. I do have a set of those line clamps from Harbor Freight, used smallest one. Then wiggle lines off, hoping no diesel gets on you while you're doing it.

js5020 · Mar 11, 2023

NHBX said:
Ditto on the crappy location,
Also after the 1st filter change on my BX24 I put an inline shutoff between the tank and 1st filter. Made it much easier to stay dry lol. It also makes it easy to drain a bit of fuel from the tank to check for water and crap when changing filter. Its similar to this one.

RAIDER® UNIVERSAL SHUT OFF VALVE - 5/16" (#11-6294) (Raider)

Shop the RAIDER® UNIVERSAL SHUT OFF VALVE - 5/16" and more, at Raiderpowersports.com for all your ATV, MX, Motorcycle, and Snowmobile gear and riding accessories.

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Once it warms back up I will be doing something different with that hose and lack of a shut off valve