Kubota BX2670 Fuel Filter Freezing up in Cold Weather

[John Atkisson]

My BX25D was behaving exactly like yours. I had changed out the front fuel filter but decided to hold off changing the one under the deck because it is a major PITA. Well, that was the problem- changed it and it ran fine.

 

[botaproducts]

A couple of years ago, I had an issue with the fuel filter on my Kubota BX2670 freezing up in cold weather. In below freezing weather, I'd start up the tractor and let it idle and after a couple of minutes the engine would sputter and stall out. I wouldn't be able to start the engine again as the frozen filter prevented fuel from getting to the fuel injection pump.

I replace the front fuel filter and that helped, but after a year I had the same problem. Rather than change out the filter again, I just used an electric hair dryer and warmed the fuel filter on the side of the engine. I could then start the engine, let it warm up, and didn't have a problem with the filter freezing up and cutting off fuel as the tractor engine heat kept the filter from freezing. I used this procedure all last winter here in Northern Michigan.

Yesterday, it was about 14 def F and I was getting ready to snow blow the driveway. As usual, I warmed up the front fuel filter with a hair dryer for about 8 minutes, started the tractor, and let it sit idling for about 15 minutes to warm up. I jumped on the tractor, and started to blow snow and everything seemed normal. After about another 8 minutes, the tractor engine started to sputter and bog down. With the throttle in the low position, the engine would run very rough but it would idle. If I increased the throttle, it would run rougher and almost stall out. The key is the engine was getting fuel as it would run, but it would run very rough.

I let the tractor sit for about an hour or two as I drove to town to get some kind of diesel fuel stabilizer/non-gelling additive (Howes) as I thought I'd give that a try. When I returned home, I added a little fuel stabilizer to the tank and did my normal procedure. I warmed the front fuel filter for about 5 minutes, started the tractor and let it idle for about 10 minutes. I then started to blow snow and after about 10 minutes, the tractor again started to sputter and bog down.

I understand I probably have moisture with my diesel fuel, but it seems wierd that it would run normal for about 8 to 10 minutes and then all of a sudden, the engine would sputter and bog down. It would idle very rough, but wouldn't stall out unless I increased the fuel throttle. Only if I let the tractor sit for a couple of hours would I be able to get it to temporarily run normal again.

Any ideas, recommendations? I am using winter grade diesel fuel that was bought in middle of November so it should be rated for this cold weather. Why Kubota doesn't put a fuel water separator on these tractors is beyond me. Thanks for the help!

3 things you can do to get rid of the problem. Go to wwwbxtractorparts.com and pick up a BX remote fuel filter kit (over 5000 sold all over the world) that has a Kubota L filter with water separator on it & a shut off valve. Then during winter months use an additive like 911 (the gray one not the red one) also keep your fuel topped off as much as you can to avoid water droplets forming on the upside of the fuel tank.

 

[RjCorazza]

My BX25D was behaving exactly like yours. I had changed out the front fuel filter but decided to hold off changing the one under the deck because it is a major PITA. Well, that was the problem- changed it and it ran fine.

You may want to consider replacing and relocating that filter like @dodge man above. It's a real popular mod for the BX machines.
My Racor install (not a BX) replaced the OEM water separator / strainer and it is now even further away from the engine area. I may add a 12v heater if it becomes problematic.

 

[gary_nh]

The game changer for me was blocking the front end vent holes with tape to elevate engine area temps. Blankets, wraps, cardboard, tape...stay clear of the exaust and watch the temp gauge when it gets warmer. I use gaffers tape, stays on all winter and no sticky duct-tape mess.

 

[Yander]

I used Lucas in the tractor tank this year (I don't put it in the bulk tank) and ran both tractors for a while after adding for about 20 minutes while it was still warm. I doubled the amount as it recommends for colder temps and had no issues on Christmas day with temps at low single digits.

 

[strykerAKAmack]

Lucas oil anti gel been working fine for me for years , especially in outdoor tank for heating garage , has a 10 foot 3/8 line outside that always used to freeze up .

 

[WeldGuy]

I've always used Power Service (white bottle) to treat my fuel in winter months. Never had a problem in Ohio winters.
I watched a driver add fuel treatment during a delivery a few years ago. After he filled the tank, he took a five gallon bucket of something and poured it into the underground tank he filled. Certainly less than scientific! LOL

 

[dcarman]

A couple of years ago, I had an issue with the fuel filter on my Kubota BX2670 freezing up in cold weather. In below freezing weather, I'd start up the tractor and let it idle and after a couple of minutes the engine would sputter and stall out. I wouldn't be able to start the engine again as the frozen filter prevented fuel from getting to the fuel injection pump.

I replace the front fuel filter and that helped, but after a year I had the same problem. Rather than change out the filter again, I just used an electric hair dryer and warmed the fuel filter on the side of the engine. I could then start the engine, let it warm up, and didn't have a problem with the filter freezing up and cutting off fuel as the tractor engine heat kept the filter from freezing. I used this procedure all last winter here in Northern Michigan.

Yesterday, it was about 14 def F and I was getting ready to snow blow the driveway. As usual, I warmed up the front fuel filter with a hair dryer for about 8 minutes, started the tractor, and let it sit idling for about 15 minutes to warm up. I jumped on the tractor, and started to blow snow and everything seemed normal. After about another 8 minutes, the tractor engine started to sputter and bog down. With the throttle in the low position, the engine would run very rough but it would idle. If I increased the throttle, it would run rougher and almost stall out. The key is the engine was getting fuel as it would run, but it would run very rough.

I let the tractor sit for about an hour or two as I drove to town to get some kind of diesel fuel stabilizer/non-gelling additive (Howes) as I thought I'd give that a try. When I returned home, I added a little fuel stabilizer to the tank and did my normal procedure. I warmed the front fuel filter for about 5 minutes, started the tractor and let it idle for about 10 minutes. I then started to blow snow and after about 10 minutes, the tractor again started to sputter and bog down.

I understand I probably have moisture with my diesel fuel, but it seems wierd that it would run normal for about 8 to 10 minutes and then all of a sudden, the engine would sputter and bog down. It would idle very rough, but wouldn't stall out unless I increased the fuel throttle. Only if I let the tractor sit for a couple of hours would I be able to get it to temporarily run normal again.

Any ideas, recommendations? I am using winter grade diesel fuel that was bought in middle of November so it should be rated for this cold weather. Why Kubota doesn't put a fuel water separator on these tractors is beyond me. Thanks for the help!

#2 diesel has paraffin in it, while that gives the fuel lubrication qualities and more BTUs, that coagulates in temps down around 0 F and colder. #1 diesel does not have the paraffin and is good to -50 F. This winter grade fuel, is it a blend or straight #1? The fuel filter is where the coagulation always takes place. Adding something like Diesel 911 or the like to your fuel can eliminate this problem.

 

[henerythe8th]

An older machine, but similar issues on a B7100 that I used to own. I had trouble starting mine even when warm! Once started it would run great.
I had allowed the tractor to get good and cold and the issue plagued me for a while.
It was aggravating enough that I bought a new tractor!

THE POINT
After I bought the new Mahindra I was prepping the B7100 for sale when I discovered my real issue, the fuel filter was plugged with paraffin crystals that I could not see. Change the fuel filter and it would be fine
The next time I tried to start I had the same issue.
FOR ME the solution was to remove and wash out the fuel tank, reinstall along with a fresh filter and problem solved!

 

[dodge man]

I’m also running Lucas.