BX starting rough

[poldies4]

Since the cold, my still shiny BX 1860 starts rough. Smoke, trying to fire, then it sputters and fires up. I've let the glow plug go from a slow 25 count to a slow 55 count, no real difference. I haven't been using it that much lately, the last time I put diesel in it was probably a few month ago. It is finally ready for a top off. Is it likely the old fuel? Or should I count longer slower with the glow plug on? I've altered my timing with the glow plug, as well as had to start in 15 degrees, as well as 50 degrees with no real difference. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[TripleR]

Does it make any difference what throttle setting you use?

 

[bp fick]

Hey poldies,

This isn't normal. Two series of 10 seconds is likely enough glow plug time, until it gets to 10 below, then add another 10 second round.

Check the normal stuff. Air filter clean?
Yes, new, fresh fuel from a busy fuel station, a splash of diesel treatment to prevent any waxing issues and you SHOULD be good to go. I'd crack the throttle to 1/3 open before starting as TripleR suggested.

Wouldn't hurt to put new fuel filters on, as they aren't expensive, if you've tried everything else.

Let us know if you end up taking this back for warranty service.

 

[MidgetMaestro]

Since the cold, my still shiny BX 1860 starts rough. Smoke, trying to fire, then it sputters and fires up. I've let the glow plug go from a slow 25 count to a slow 55 count, no real difference. I haven't been using it that much lately, the last time I put diesel in it was probably a few month ago. It is finally ready for a top off. Is it likely the old fuel? Or should I count longer slower with the glow plug on? I've altered my timing with the glow plug, as well as had to start in 15 degrees, as well as 50 degrees with no real difference. Any advice is appreciated.

We had this happen with our BX2200. After a while, I figured out that I was waiting just a split-second (seriously, just a hair of a second) too long before turning the engine over - I count slowly to 30, then bam, turn the key, and it starts rough (in single digits) and smooths out in about 20 seconds.

Hope this helps :thumbsup:

 

[legbuh]

I keep my BX in my heated shop (at 55-60f). It starts rough then... or it just sounds rough because we're not used to these little diesel motors. It's normal. Big puff of smoke,, a little roughness then it smooths right out.

 

[radioman]

sounds like you might have summer fuel that is giving you issues. have you treated it at all for winter ? is tractor stored outside ? do you have a heater plug for your BX? When you top off, be sure you get the fuel from a busy diesel station so you know it has winter blend in it. I wouldn't trust the store clerk as they give you a headlight deer stare.

I dont have a heater plug and its stored in a garage but no heat. My BX starts rough for a half a min and smooths out after it warms up. I only cycle glow plugs once a little over 10-30 secs and start. Due to the nature of a small diesel displacement engine, its bound to run rough when cold and screams when rpms is bumped up.

 

[kuboman]

You may have a glow plug that is weak or dead.

 

[SPYDERLK]

We had this happen with our BX2200. After a while, I figured out that I was waiting just a split-second (seriously, just a hair of a second) too long before turning the engine over - I count slowly to 30, then bam, turn the key, and it starts rough (in single digits) and smooths out in about 20 seconds.

Hope this helps :thumbsup:

I have a 1500 so maybe not the same, but when I hold the partial key turn glo plug position I hear a relay cycling power to the GPs. It seems to be about 2s ON 2s OFF. Starting immediately after the second ON cycle works good.
larry

 

[Ken45101]

Depending on how cold it is, I think it's normal. I don't have a BX, but my M5040 acted just like that at ten degrees...until I plugged in the heater for it. Next time, it started like it was summer. Likewise my skid steer acted the same way.

Just give the hydro fluid more time to warm up before you make it do any hard work.

Ken

 

[ejnichol]

I'm using fuel bought in early fall and starting BX24 @ 28 degrees yesterday with 10 - 12sec. cycle glow on to immediate turn key to start, slight black exhaust but good start. I set my throttle lever so that it goes to 1600 rpm on start. I let it idle @ 1600 - 1700 till temp needle moves off of stop and then just transport, no work till full temp guage. You can tell hydros cold.

Seems more like a glow plug issue. Not sure thats its summer fuel since I'm not using winter blend if theres such a thing in NC.

 

[Cherokee180]

I was reading my BX manual and it said in warmer temps (I think like down to freezing or so) to only use like 3-5 seconds of glow plugs. Mine is in a warm garage, and after about 5 seconds and fires right up. Maybe I am not using enough????

 

[redharley]

When it's under 30 degree's I always use the 1-1000,2-2000 and so one even down to 10 degree's never have to get past 1-10000 [count slooow]. Throttle closed till oil presure comes up.It will smoke and idle a little rough for a few seconds normial for a diesel.Fuel treatment for sure,when the weather gets to 40 degree's I start adding it to my fuel,that way when it gets cold it's ready.

 

[leonz]

Since the cold, my still shiny BX 1860 starts rough. Smoke, trying to fire, then it sputters and fires up. I've let the glow plug go from a slow 25 count to a slow 55 count, no real difference. I haven't been using it that much lately, the last time I put diesel in it was probably a few month ago. It is finally ready for a top off. Is it likely the old fuel? Or should I count longer slower with the glow plug on? I've altered my timing with the glow plug, as well as had to start in 15 degrees, as well as 50 degrees with no real difference. Any advice is appreciated.

It sounds exactly like the problem that Jeepfreak had with his new B3200 where the timing was off by 8 degrees. His dealer readjusted it for him to 0 degrees and it works fine now, does your BX1860 shake a lot at low R.P.M.?


I would strongly suggest you contact the dealer as they have been changing the timing on the small engines when the tractors are assembled here to placate the EPA and the new pollution regulations for small "garden tractor engines".


I will either post the the new regulations if possible or link to them for everyones benefit here.

 

[kevinj]

Since the cold, my still shiny BX 1860 starts rough. Smoke, trying to fire, then it sputters and fires up. I've let the glow plug go from a slow 25 count to a slow 55 count, no real difference. I haven't been using it that much lately, the last time I put diesel in it was probably a few month ago. It is finally ready for a top off. Is it likely the old fuel? Or should I count longer slower with the glow plug on? I've altered my timing with the glow plug, as well as had to start in 15 degrees, as well as 50 degrees with no real difference. Any advice is appreciated.

Are you certain the glo plugs are working??? In this weather mine starts with 5 seconds of glo. A cold diesel will smoke and sputter a couple seconds till it gets some heat in the cylinders.

 

[dodge man]

You want to make sure the throttle is open a little, that helps a lot. I have mine at about 20% open. When its cold out, mine will sound pretty nasty at first, very rough. After a few seconds, it sound better. If its really cold, below zero, it sounds really bad at first.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Are you certain the glo plugs are working??? In this weather mine starts with 5 seconds of glo. A cold diesel will smoke and sputter a couple seconds till it gets some heat in the cylinders.

This is a real good question that should be resolved 1st off.
larry

 

[sw03]

you either have a poor battery, poor GP's, crappy engine oil or bad fuel..I do no use fuel adds, Amsoil oil and at 0f to -15f below NEVER glow more then 5 seconds MAX ....starts all the time...

 

[ibnxe]

I would expect that the start procedure for the BX 1860 is the same as all the other BX series tractors. The following is right out of the operators manual.

All levers in the correct position, parking brake set, etc.

Set throttle lever to about half way

Set key to on position and check dash lamps.

Turn key to "Preheat" position, 2 to 3 seconds for temps above 32F,
5 seconds for temperatures between 23 and 32F,
10 seconds for temperatures below 23F

Turn key to "Start" position and release when engine starts.

The following is my input:

If the engine is started with the throttle in the closed position, it is going to shake and shudder. Preheating for 25 to 50 seconds may shorten the life of the glow plugs.
Personally, I have never preheated for more than 5 seconds.

 

[Don87]

I'm having the same type of problem with my Massey.

1) Length of time for glow plug activation makes no difference.

2) 50 hours service just completed(replaced filter).

3)Glow plugs are working correctly, I pulled them and checked each one individually.

4) Air filter is clean.

5) Throttle position makes no difference, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 3/4, full throttle.

Tractor sputters, then shuts off..........usually the third try it keeps running.
Outdoor temp is about 17F degrees.

I'm leaning towards fuel quality.(about the only thing left).

 

[poldies4]

Thanks to all for the response. Been out of town for the Holidays, and this is my first chance to read the replies. Any and all out there, I know nothing of glow plugs. First winter with my first diesel. I will try to cycle the plugs if I in fact knew what that meant?.?. I assume hold, count to 5, let go, repeat? Tractor is stored inside a sometimes heated barn. Once it is warm it starts great, don't know if that means anything. Is it possible that the clicking that I hear when I am pre-heating is fuel being pushed into the engine? Am I in essence flooding the engine by holding in the glow position for too long? The chugging being too much fuel? It's generally between 25-40 degrees in the barn. Or am I expecting my diesel to act like gas?