Kubota BX2670 Fuel Filter Freezing up in Cold Weather

Seven Gables · Dec 27, 2022

I would definitely replace both

NHBX · Dec 27, 2022

Another fan of power service white bottle.
I would also change both filters as Seven Gables suggested. In addition I would drain some fuel out of the bottom of the tank to see what it looks like. Moisture in the fuel will also cause the filters to ”freeze” and plug. Good luck I hope you get it straightened out.

RjCorazza · Dec 27, 2022

@landrand
Sounds like you are getting a handle on your BX fuel problem.
My contribution would be to use an antigel additive regardless of how the fuel is treated at the pump. The Power Service 911 is a great product for dealing with currently gelled fuel, but as mentioned it's not for routine fuel treatment. My preference is the Power Service white bottle at the same concentration mentioned by an earlier poster of 1oz per 3 gallons diesel. I made up a simple chart in excel that calculates the required dose in multiple measuring units.

Additionally, adding a water separator / filter will go a long way in preventing water problems. With a clear bowl and drain you will have a visual indication of water contamination, which can be simply drained off (then deal with the tank contamination). There are numerous YouTube videos specific to the BX machines that describe various solutions. There are also several ready made kits to relocate the BX filter.
I replaced my small separator / strainer with a Racor water separator / filter. They can even be ordered with 12v fuel heaters for use in very cold climates for additional insurance, but my area is not really very cold so I skipped the heater.

Egon · Dec 27, 2022

Have you checked your fuel storage tank for gelling And water?You might also cover the tractor with a tarp and place a 1500 watt or so heater underneath. That should heat every thing including the fuel tank. Then drain out the fuel/water and replace with treated winter fuel. Your fuel supply may have been purchased before the switch over to diesel fuel At the station.

Note: fuel additive that contains alcohol is not good for the injection pump.

nyone · Dec 28, 2022

LouNY said:
adding an anti gelling treatment to already gelled fuel doesnt work

This!
Its basicly like pouring jelly on peanut butter and expecting it to mix. By the time you know your fuel is gelled it's to late to add something to the tank. The best practice is to be mixing antigell into your fuel when the temps drop below 32*f.

Your option now is to get heat on the fuel tank and lines.

You also know why every tractor owner that uses there machine to clear snow should have 2+ fuel filters in stock.

i7win7 · Dec 28, 2022

The BX's have a fuel filter in front of the hydro cooling fan. Had same problem as landrand with mower deck locked into TOP position. Real hard to get heat gun on filter. Bought 6' of fuel line, clamps and a splice to mover lower filter in front of FEL mount

and use power service on a 50gal tank

crashz · Dec 28, 2022

My first year with the Kubota we got a cold spell and I had forgotten about the summer fuel in the tank. I went to plow the snow and had a heck of a time.

I learned this:
- I simply could not get enough heat to the lines and filter to liquify the wax/ice. It was below zero at the time, but even with a big salamander heater, I couldn't get it.
- Batteries quickly die in that cold too.
- A small amount of kerosene works better than 911. I could actually see the wax disappear in the filter housing.
- Treating the fuel AFTER it jelled was pointless.

Now I keep a gallon of kerosene on hand and treat the fuel year round.

arto98607 · Dec 29, 2022

I am sure kerosene works, but I would not be adding it year round to my Diesel fuel.

Something like this may be safer alternative, and there are many other choices:

dodge man · Dec 29, 2022

I added this Racor to mine as shown and eliminated the one near the back of the tractor. This one still gelled on me but at least it was easy to change and you could clearly see the problem. One thing that I always thought is the fuel filters, no matter the setup are hanging out in the cold air where the fuel tank is a larger volume and would take longer to get cold.