BX Series - Cold weather starting problems?

lp333 · Dec 20, 2008

I keep my BX24 in the garage, so I don't have much experience with cold weather starting. However, my neighbor recently bought a used BX22, which would not start this week when the temperature dropped to 0 F. I am wondering how common cold weather starting problems might be among BX owners.

SPYDERLK · Dec 20, 2008

glow plugs not working?
larry

SUPERNUG · Dec 20, 2008

Keep my BX22 in a unheated pole barn for several years. Never had a problem starting. I always treat the deisal fuel to keep from jelling but thats it.

LBrown59 · Dec 20, 2008

lp333 said:
I keep my BX24 in the garage, so I don't have much experience with cold weather starting. However, my neighbor recently bought a used BX22, which would not start this week when the temperature dropped to 0 F.
1* I am wondering how common cold weather starting problems might be among BX owners.

1*It's far from common.

SUPERNUG said:
Keep my BX22 in a unheated pole barn for several years. Never had a problem starting.
2*I always treat the deisal fuel to keep from jelling but thats it.

2* I treat fuel 12 months of the year.

devildog1 · Dec 20, 2008

MY Bx23 TBL is in unheated barn, never had an issue with starting, check glow plugs and make sure you add an additive to the diesel fuel. You should be good to go.
Rick

escavader · Dec 20, 2008

Tell him turn the key til the glow light comes on,hold it there count to 15 crack throttle 1/4 way crank it.If its in good working order it will start
ALAN

Ken_CT · Dec 20, 2008

When I first got my BX23 I didn't have a heater. It always started with no problem in the cold. It sounded terrible, banging and clanking like it was going to blow up, but always started. After I put in the heater it started up faster and sounded fine.

lp333 · Dec 20, 2008

Thanks to all who have responded with timely comments - that's much appreciated.

Can some of you share details about your cold weather starting experiences. For example, what is the coldest temperature at which you are able to start your BX easily? Conversely, what is the coldest temperature at which you actually experienced a problem starting you BX?

escavader · Dec 20, 2008

IIve never had it not start.Ihave started it at minus 10f in the barn.Ijust put a block heater in and it sounds so much better

Ken_CT · Dec 20, 2008

I too have never had a problem starting. It may have sputtered and stalled a couple of times on starting, even after 10-15 seconds of glow plugs, but it always started. Probably the coldest without the heater was around 0f. When I installed the block heater, after around 20 minutes of being turned on, it would start like it was summer.

MessickFarmEqu · Dec 20, 2008

Its a fuel issue. No question.

Botabill · Dec 21, 2008

I had a BX 1800 for 4-5 years and it was kept in a draft free unheated building. Each winter I had to start the little fellow at -4 degree Fahrenheit (-20 celcius) or sometimes lower. At that low temperature I used a block heater and magnetic oil pan heater and often put an old comforter over the hood for an hour at least. I still had to glow it 20 seconds and often turn the engine over for 20 seconds. I wouldn't turn it over longer than that for fear of damaging the starter motor. It was a rare day that it would start the first try. Finally it would kick over then die but eventually it would start. Sometimes it took five or more tries. I always let it stand a minute of two between tries to avoid starter burn out. My new B2620 is quite easy to start by comparison.

pdowling1 · Dec 21, 2008

Neil is undoubtedly correct, it is your fuel. untreated Diesel gels at cold temps. Treat it & you will be much happier. Also check fuel filters, any moisture in them will cause trouble.

Paul

tommu56 · Dec 21, 2008

I started my 23 weeks ago and the high for the day was 18 and I started it in the am well before the peak tempature.

Just hold the key with the glow plug on for 30 to 45 seconds, as other said it will cough and sputter bit with good and treated fuel it ill start.

tom

SPYDERLK · Dec 21, 2008

lp333 said:
Thanks to all who have responded with timely comments - that's much appreciated.

Can some of you share details about your cold weather starting experiences. For example, what is the coldest temperature at which you are able to start your BX easily? Conversely, what is the coldest temperature at which you actually experienced a problem starting you BX?

BX1500. Well over a thousand hrs. Never a starting problem even at 0F, but it wouldnt fire at all if I didnt use the glow plugs. I virtually never use fuel treatment. It will start with a fuel filter so clogged that it wont continue running. Are you sure his glow plugs work? Did he add fuel just before he drove it to its parking place? The latter could have filled the filter with water if the stuff he poured in was contaminated. Are diesel fumes coming out the pipe when cranking? If so its glow plugs. If not its water or jelling.
larry

Snoho3 · Dec 21, 2008

Okay - any suggestions for tihs?

Started up my B7800 just fine this morning, about 2 degreesF outside. No block heater. Ran for about 10 minutes, then coughed and sputtered and died. It will now turn over weakly whenI start up, but won't continue running. So I assume a fuel starvation issue. About 1/3 of a tank of fuel.

THe tractor is now at a location with no electrical power access so I can't plug in a heater... Am I stuck til spring??

I didn't put any fuel additice in the tank.

Help!

SPYDERLK · Dec 21, 2008

Snoho3 said:
Okay - any suggestions for tihs?

Started up my B7800 just fine this morning, about 2 degreesF outside. No block heater. Ran for about 10 minutes, then coughed and sputtered and died. It will now turn over weakly whenI start up, but won't continue running. So I assume a fuel starvation issue. About 1/3 of a tank of fuel.

THe tractor is now at a location with no electrical power access so I can't plug in a heater... Am I stuck til spring?? I didn't put any fuel additice in the tank.

Help!

Siphon the tank into a good container. Add Power Service or some such additive and shake. Put it in a warm area while you change the fuel filter. Give it some more shaking and put it back in. It will be fine.
larry

Jibber · Dec 21, 2008

Keep those glow plugs glowing a little longer.. otherwise it's gelled fuel.

I'd like to see Kubota put a timer in there like they have on the bigger tractors.

PS.. from your username.. I'd take it you are an audiophile?

Snoho3 · Dec 21, 2008

Thanks for the reply.

Just went into town and bought a few more gallons of fresh diesel. It's curently being heated (slightly) in the mud room. I'll add some Power service 911 'for winter emergencies'. I'm thinking that if I can just warm up the little fuel that is in the tank now, it might do the trick. If not, I can siphon and clean the filter...

Thanks for the responses.

Jibber, not too much of an audiophile but greatly enjoy music. 'Snoho3' comes from my hometown, Snohomish, and the fact that there are three of us in the house...

Best to all, and happy holidays.

Snoho3

jnjpream · Dec 26, 2008

lp333,

I have a BX22 and a couple weeks ago I got it back from the shop for a seal replacement and it was around -10. I tried several times to get it started after glowing for 20-30 seconds. It would fire a couple times and die. Did this a number of times..

The way I eventually got it started was by glowing 20-30 seconds, crank the engine until it fired, then just backed off the key to the glow position until the engine got some rpms on it, then released it to the run position. Made the usual cold start clatter, but a second later it smoothed out.

I did, and do treat the fuel though. If your neighbor treats the fuel, try the above. Just don't hold the glow on too long after it's starts to avoid burning out the glow plug.

Jeff