Fuel Gauge

[Northern Orange]

Purchased new BX-25D end of October and store it in a shelter. I find that the fuel gauge is out of sync, it never drops below 3/4. Have read the threads about the dampness effecting the dash but this is the only issue. Just wondering if other BX owners are experiencing the same and if they knew/have the solution.
Thanks

 

[Pepsiboy]

Purchased new BX-25D end of October and store it in a shelter. I find that the fuel gauge is out of sync, it never drops below 3/4. Have read the threads about the dampness effecting the dash but this is the only issue. Just wondering if other BX owners are experiencing the same and if they knew/have the solution.
Thanks

Northern Orange,

This is typical of the BX. I not only had to replace my dash cluster because of moisture, I had to replace the fuel gauge sending unit because of RUST. Replacing the sending unit is a ROYAL PITA ! ! I coated the new one with epoxy paint before installing it. After that and dash replacement I have had no problems with the fuel gauge reading correctly.

If I were you, I would have the dealer check it out IF it is under warrantee. If not, I would just make sure the tank as topped off after each use until the sending unit completely failed. As stated before, it is a royal pita to get at it.

Other than that, I am completely satisfied with my BX.

Best of luck with your problem.

Dave

 

[85Hokie]

Pep nailed it ......

I must be lucky - the only time my BX25D gets wet is when I was it !

But I have heard horror stories about the gauge(s) and the fuel sending unit! Other than sucking moisture out the air, I am careful not to get any water in the fuel, but then again, not sure how I stop the moisture in the summer air!

I hope you do not have that problem - cause it is a reaaaaaalllll PITA to fix!

 

[cerlawson]

Chances are the stuff in the tank is badly corroded. I'd get a new one since the rust hunks can plug the opening and you have no fuel. Even brand new they can be rusted from sitting on dealer's lots a long time.

 

[lugbolt]

When the fuel tank's full, they won't rust.

The new ones are the same part as far as I can remember. So they'll rust too if left in the same conditions.

Ideal conditions for rust to form on the sending unit are sit for a while without being used (no fuel splash on the sending unit)-which can happen at the dealer, humid and/or corrosive environment (salty air?), and less than full tank of fuel. Combine all and you have a rusty fuel sending unit. The BX is not the only one with this issue, either. L01's, L3200's, L2800's, a couple of L3560's that I can remember OTOH, Seem to remember a small M too.

 

[William1]

I've noticed with my BX25D and the tank filled right to the brim/bottom edge of the filler that I can run it a long time before the gauge shows movement. Then after that, the decreasing level is fairly consistent over run time. I attribute it to either a less than perfect sending system, that shows full when the tank is at maybe 80% of total capacity or due to expansion/spill space.
Has anyone had an empty tank and put in a measured (IIRC) 6.6 gallons and looked to see where that came to in relation to the filler neck? I would not be surprised if the tank actual capacity was more like eight gallons but Kubota rates it at 6.6 to ensure that a tank filled with 6.6 would not leak out the breather (or filler if the cap was off) at the rated safe tilt/angle for the tractor or to prevent spills from a tank filled with cold fuel and then left in the hot sun. I have never noticed any spillage/weeping.
Just a thought.

 

[sheepfarmer]

Lugbolt your mention of the 3560 caught my attention. My fuel gauge has always read erratically, and has never read below 3/4 but I don't think the tank has ever been at worst 2/3 full given how many gal it takes to fill it back up, but I wouldn't be surprised if it had sat around the dealer's lot for a year before I bought it. The one time I tried to use the feature where you turn the key and fill it until it stops beeping but there was no beeping. I brought it up with dealer's tech and he brushed it off and said they stick sometimes.

Any idea how high up in the tank the part is that gets rusty? How empty can the tank be before the unit is exposed to damp air? I don't usually fill it after every use but wait until I can put in about 3 gal. What's the fix on a 3560 like?

 

[Grouse Feathers]

I doubt the fuel system is rusty, this was a new tractor back in October. The problem is probably the inaccurate fuel gauge caused by the tank configuration. It takes a long time for the fuel to drop below 3/4,and when you get to 3/4 you have probably used 1/2 or more of the fuel.

 

[sheepfarmer]

Hope you're right Larry, it has always done this for the last two years. It doesn't change much and then it might read 3/4 or so off and on. I always check it with a flashlight, it holds 12 gal, and adding 3 brings it up pretty high. It certainly has an odd tank shape.