DON'T FREEZE UP

[TBDonnelly]

So is my idea right and is was bad fuel or are there gremlins lurking under the hood?

I had similar symptoms this past weekend. I talked to my dealer and he's had several phone calls with similar issues and all of them have been traced back to bad fuel.

Similar discussion taking place in this thread:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/135525-bx-problem-need-help.html

Don

 

[Gittyup]

You guys scared me into putting in some Power Service. Got home tonight and put it right in. Started on the 3rd short try. Engine seemed to perk up a bit right after I put the PS in. Coincidence or not, at least now I have peace of mind that my fuel won't gel and muck things up.

I noticed that the glow plugs stayed on by themselves for a few seconds after starting. First time it's done that. Temp = 16 F.

 

[rfmr]

In additon to the PS (white container) can you also use dry gas in the tank if you think there may be a water/condensation problem?

 

[dqdave1]

Only use additives made for use in diesels.

 

[VictorW]

I doubt it was the fuel.
If it was all those farms would have had the same problem too.
Depending on their tractors is more inportant to them than you depending on your tractor is to you; so I'd say they would not be buying fuel they did not have faith in.

I do realize that all the farms are more important than me just clearing snow but I have no other answer for it as of now. I never had any problems the past 4 Winters until I changed where I get my fuel.

I read the thread that Don mentioned, thanks Don, and I haven't found any algea in the tank either. My filter housing is clear and the filter looked good. Also, when I drained everything, I had taken the filter out for closer inspection. Saw nothing. No black residue, nothing slimey like clear algae. When I pulled the line from the tank to the pump, the fuel ran out fast leaving me to believe that I have no debris in the tank. Also, when I fuel up, I use a funnel with a fine screen but I guess something might have snuck in. I didn't see any ice crystals in the fuel either but that may be hard to notice.

It was -6 last night and 0 now. That might be a good test for the new fuel and how she runs.

I hope everyone else is running. PITA when it acts up and you have work to do.

 

[LBrown59]

*I do realize that all the farms are more important than me just clearing snow but I have no other answer for it as of now.
**I never had any problems the past 4 Winters until I changed where I get my fuel.

*But it would seem odd if they weren't having problems with the fuel but you are the only one one haveing a problem with it wouldn't it?
**I just wonder if you would still of had the problem even if you had not changed to another fuel.

 

[chopper1usa]

Kioti Dave, I use just the 911 in the tractor I bought from you. I use about 5 oz. to a 6 gallon can. Is what BJN 644 is saying true? Can or will the alcohol content cause trouble down the road in my CK20? What is your recomendation concerning this product and/or what should we use? Thanks Dave great machine! Mike in perkinsville,VT

 

[coobie]

Good read here!!Do a search for the spicer lubricty test.It is a independent study on diesel fuel addtives.I use schaeffers winter diesel treat or stanadyne performance formula in my cummins diesel,kioti tractor,kubota RTV 900,and kubota ZTR,year around.coobie

 

[VictorW]

Four hours on the tractor since the draining of fuel and refilling with fuel from a different source. It hasn't missed a beat even in 2' weather.

Maybe as LBrown59 mentioned, it might not have been the fuel but it runs great now.

 

[TBDonnelly]

Four hours on the tractor since the draining of fuel and refilling with fuel from a different source. It hasn't missed a beat even in 2' weather.

I used my tractor for 2 hours today and it ran fine. Our area went through a freeze cycle, then it went up to 60 degrees, then it was back down to freezing. I had left the fuel tank low on fuel. Next time I used the tractor is when it acted up. I then added some PowerService and topped the tank off. Today was the test and the tractor did fine.

I think some condensation developed in the tank by leaving the fuel level low during the freeze/heat up/refreeze cycle. But, then again, my last two 5 gallon cans of diesel where from a station I had never bought diesel fuel from before. Hmmmm...

Don