Need Help - BX2660 shaking / running rough

connor77 · Apr 28, 2012

Need some help here. Was moving mulch with my bucket today and after moving 4 yards my tractor starting shaking and lost power. I was able to restart and move some more mulch - even engaged the blades and it would run fine for a while and then out of nowhere would just idle down on its own and shake uncontrollably at which point I would disengage blades and shut it off. I have checked oil (looks OK) replaced air filter today and I have mowed probably 3 times with the same fuel that is currently in the machine.
For what it's worth when I start the tractor I'm not hearing the normal clicking sound I used to but my tractor still starts OK.
If I got bad fuel what's the best way to address or should I be looking for something else? I have never had any problems with my machine except toasting my transmission fan with a stick but I've replaced it. When I did this which was at around 50 hrs my brother and I replaced engine oil and filter, fuel filters (2 if I recall correctly) and I cleaned the hydro filter as well. This is the worst time for me to be having any trouble with my machine because I'm mowing my lawn every other day. If I need to replace fuel filter(s) I need to take my deck off and probably my bro-tek skid plate. Not looking forward to either of those tasks. I'm really hoping someone can help. Sorry for the long post.

JOHNTHOMAS · Apr 28, 2012

You could have gotten bad fuel and your fuel filters been doing their job but alas they have reached their capacity of filtration.
I'd check/replace fuel filters if it were me having the same problem. Just sounds like fuel issue. If you've just used a gal or so of your last fill up I'd also consider siphoning the fuel out and replacing it. Not sure which to do first or just do both at one time.

Garybake · Apr 28, 2012

I have that problem when it starts to starve for fuel.
First time I had a plugged tank from the plastic vent holes drilled in fuel containers. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/222566-strain-fuel.html
Second time was a corroded fuel sending unit that plugged tank outlet. Both times I could by some time by putting a plastic bag with rubber band over filler oppening and blowing air pressure from 1st fuel filter (yes the one behind the shields and deck) back into the tank. If you do not hear your fuel pump clicking with ignition on that would be first thing I check.

Garybake · Apr 28, 2012

When sending unit corroded this is what I found in the filter. Magnetic tipped me off it was sending unit as it is the only metal in tank.

connor77 · Apr 28, 2012

Guys, thanks for your help.

Gary, could you tell me more about this fuel sending unit? I'm not hearing my fuel pump like I once used to and if I need to order a part because something is corroded I need to order it soon. If you happen to have part # info that would be much appreciated. Tks.

Garybake · Apr 28, 2012

Connor check for clicking of fuel pump with key on. Maybe with skid plates and mower it is harder to hear but it should be clicking with key on. Since it (pump) is solidly bolted to floor pan behind your pedals maybe you can feel for it before pulling mower and skid plate off to check voltage/pump out. Although the fuel filter is right in front of the pump anyways and would be my second check if you DO hear your pump so deck and skid plate removal may be required. If fuel flows freely from tank line when you remove the filter I would not suspect a tank issue. Careful as you can empty your tank on yourself after pulling that filter off. I installed a in-line shutoff before the filter to ease future filter changes/inspections. Have you recently run your tank dry as that is when I had problems because all the crud ended up at the tank outlet but would reverse blow clean for another 15 hrs or low tank again.

connor77 · Apr 29, 2012

Guys, thanks for your help. I had a lot of crud in the first fuel filter and the tractor seemed to run fine after I swapped filters. I also had a gas tank issue where the nylon mesh filter on the nozzle of the gas tank had been eaten by the diesel and found its way into my fuel. I have sinced purchased a container appropriate for diesel.
I'm hoping for no more surprises. Taking the deck and skid plate off are becoming less and less fun the older I get!

JOHNTHOMAS · Apr 30, 2012

connor77 said:
Guys, thanks for your help. I had a lot of crud in the first fuel filter and the tractor seemed to run fine after I swapped filters. I also had a gas tank issue where the nylon mesh filter on the nozzle of the gas tank had been eaten by the diesel and found its way into my fuel. I have sinced purchased a container appropriate for diesel.
I'm hoping for no more surprises. Taking the deck and skid plate off are becoming less and less fun the older I get!

Always start with the simplest and easiest fix first. Sometimes one can do a complete rebuild and when it still has the problem find out the battery is dead or the key switch or a safety switch. Start easiest first then move up to those almost never heard of but by one or two people problems.
Usually it's safety switches on one of the levers, seat, etc and as in this case a filter that did its job.