removing engine cover - bx23

granite · Mar 1, 2005

I think this is obvious, but I'll ask anyways - Do you have to remove the front end loader, grill guard and engine cover in order to change the oil filter on the BX tractor - We got snow last night and I was too tired after work to look at it.

Thanks

gsxr1100 · Mar 1, 2005

I do/did the same thing! I guess people are saying you do not have too. If you have small hands, you should be able to remove the filter with removing everything.

I will be trying it this month!

Junkman · Mar 1, 2005

I have a metal strap filter wrench that I remove the filter with. It works well for me. Mine has a place to put a socket extension to it an the ratchet can be turned from beyond the loader arms. Quick and easy to loosen.

jpr62902 · Mar 1, 2005

Hey Junkman. Do you have a pic of that strap wrench? I had a devil of a time using mine, and finally had to borrow a neighbor's filter socket wrench to get the thing off. Thanks!

botalvr · Mar 1, 2005

I can get my engine cover off of my BX2200 with the grill guard and fel on.
Only an oil change ago did I realize that I don't have to remove it at all to change oil.
I found a nice pair of what looks like overgrown Channel Locks at TSC to remove the old filter. About $6.
Good luck!

Volfandt · Mar 1, 2005

Thats good to know. I've been peep'n mine out in anticipation of the upcoming 50 service. I actually want to remove the engine cowling so I can inspect it thoroghly. I'll probably have the FEL off but didn't want to remove the grill guard unless I absolutely had too. There seemed to be enough clearance but was gonna wait and try come 50 hrs. Since I'm only at around 21 hrs now, I've got some time yet to go.

Volfandt

aardvark · Mar 1, 2005

I haven't done the following yet, but I suspect it would work fine. In an emergency, you could hammer two screwdrivers through the back of the filter, and then jam them against one another to twist and unscrew the filter. I've done this alot on cars but never on the BX23. I don't see why it wouldn't work. You will most likely be throwing the old oil filter in the trash anyway, so I don't see a reason to worry about the holes in the end.

granite · Mar 1, 2005

After briefly looking at it tonight, it may be possible to get the filter off without removal of the FEL and cover, but I would think that excess oil in the filter will get all over the place.

Junkman · Mar 1, 2005

I have never taken the cowling off my BX22 to remove the oil filter and I have changed oil 3 times so far. Sure you are going to get spilled oil, but it isn't going to be any more or less if you remove the cowling. The filter is placed horizontally, so any oil in the filter is going to run out onto the floor or a pan if you put one under it. This isn't rocket science, so I don't understand why so many people are thinking it is difficult. Possibly they haven't changed oil before????? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

SCB · Mar 2, 2005

Yep, I agree Junkman. I have 6 oil changes on my bx and everyone of them was easy. Sometimes it's the unknown that makes people a little nervous about the maintenance. So all you guys out there looking forward to youur 50 hour service, It's a peice of cake. Take your time the first time through and make notes of wrench sizes so it will go even faster the next time.