BX2380 Fuel Pump???

[Lincoln Mark]

I need a little help here. Has anyone with a BX have a problem with their fuel pump sucking air, caveating, shutting down etc, after the unit is used for about a hour, and it gets hot?
It happens after a turn, right or left, up a hill, down a hill, almost like it is not getting the fuel that is needed.
Also if you keep starting it up and keep running it, it will shut down completely.
The tank can be full, half empty, it does not matter, it just starts to fail, the pump can not maintain the pressure needed once it gets hot.
They have replaced 2 fuel pumps so far. This week will be the third.
I own a trucking company, so I am also a good diesel mechanic.
The reason I am asking if anyone else has had the same problem, because I want to see if is wide spread.
If it is a wide spread problem, I plan on switching out the fuel pump for a unit from Caterpillar or Cummings.
The service writer has no clue about mechanics.

 

[imnukensc]

Never had that problem with my 2380. Sounds more like you've got a piece of trash in the fuel tank than a fuel pump problem to me.

 

[DustyRusty]

My original fuel pump on my BX22 lasted about 18 years and 500 +- hours before it needed to be replaced.

 

[85Hokie]

When you turn the key, but not all the way - does it "tick" at a constant tone and rate?

The pump runs the entire time the key is turned one click.

If it cannot pump fuel due to a blockage - I would imagine it to run hot and quit.

 

[Lincoln Mark]

I need a little help here. Has anyone with a BX have a problem with their fuel pump sucking air, caveating, shutting down etc, after the unit is used for about a hour, and it gets hot?
It happens after a turn, right or left, up a hill, down a hill, almost like it is not getting the fuel that is needed.
Also if you keep starting it up and keep running it, it will shut down completely.
The tank can be full, half empty, it does not matter, it just starts to fail, the pump can not maintain the pressure needed once it gets hot.
They have replaced 2 fuel pumps so far. This week will be the third.
I own a trucking company, so I am also a good diesel mechanic.
The reason I am asking if anyone else has had the same problem, because I want to see if is wide spread.
If it is a wide spread problem, I plan on switching out the fuel pump for a unit from Caterpillar or Cummings.
The service writer has no clue about mechanics.

That is what I thought also. I drained the tank and did a scope on the insides, and changed both filters twice.
Now I am going to be on my third fuel pump.
Service department said that the pump is losing fuel pressure once it runs for awhile, and gets warm.
2 pumps???
I guess I will try a third pump, before I change it over to a better quality pump.
I guess I am just getting bad fuel pumps.

 

[Lincoln Mark]

When you turn the key, but not all the way - does it "tick" at a constant tone and rate?

The pump runs the entire time the key is turned one click.

If it cannot pump fuel due to a blockage - I would imagine it to run hot and quit.

It runs strong until it get warm.
I jus had a idea. I will check the temp on the outside of the pump at start up and see what the temp is when it starts shutting down.
Def no blockage, I wish there was.

 

[Lincoln Mark]

It runs strong until it get warm.
I jus had a idea. I will check the temp on the outside of the pump at start up and see what the temp is when it starts shutting down.
Def no blockage, I wish there was.

Also it is def ticking, it is pumping but losing pressure.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

You could have a small blockage in the 'spigot' of the fuel tank. My BX23s started running real rough, almost die, just made it home... The ONLY way I found the cause was to remove the tank. Once on the bench, back blowing freed the black plastic and several pours of water got it OUT of the tank.
I can see the pump overheat if it's trying it's best to supply fuel.
Other possible cause (?) collapsing fuel line from tank->filter->pump ??

 

[Henro]

Any chance the fuel tank cap vent is plugged?

You might try loosening the cap when the issue appears next time and see if it makes a difference...seems unlikely multiple fuel pumps would be bad.

 

[JerryMT]

I need a little help here. Has anyone with a BX have a problem with their fuel pump sucking air, caveating, shutting down etc, after the unit is used for about a hour, and it gets hot?
It happens after a turn, right or left, up a hill, down a hill, almost like it is not getting the fuel that is needed.
Also if you keep starting it up and keep running it, it will shut down completely.
The tank can be full, half empty, it does not matter, it just starts to fail, the pump can not maintain the pressure needed once it gets hot.
They have replaced 2 fuel pumps so far. This week will be the third.
I own a trucking company, so I am also a good diesel mechanic.
The reason I am asking if anyone else has had the same problem, because I want to see if is wide spread.
If it is a wide spread problem, I plan on switching out the fuel pump for a unit from Caterpillar or Cummings.
The service writer has no clue about mechanics.

Which pump? the lift pump or the injector pump? or do you have a high pressure rail fuel system?

 

[Lincoln Mark]

You could have a small blockage in the 'spigot' of the fuel tank. My BX23s started running real rough, almost die, just made it home... The ONLY way I found the cause was to remove the tank. Once on the bench, back blowing freed the black plastic and several pours of water got it OUT of the tank.
I can see the pump overheat if it's trying it's best to supply fuel.
Other possible cause (?) collapsing fuel line from tank->filter->pump ??

I will try that. That could be a possibility. I will hit the fuel line in both directions. I di try that going from the fuel line to the tank and got bubbles, BUT, any amount of air will give me bubbles. I will take the tank out this weekend, and do a BENCH check!! That will take a few hours to remove, or I might ask the dealer to do that.
I have a whole 58 hours on the tractor, and the last 2 pumps were under warranty.

 

[Lincoln Mark]

Which pump? the lift pump or the injector pump? or do you have a high pressure rail fuel system?

This would be the pump mounted to the frame rail, right side.
I have to find out out normal lbs pressure for a good pump to get the right replacement.

 

[Lincoln Mark]

Any chance the fuel tank cap vent is plugged?

You might try loosening the cap when the issue appears next time and see if it makes a difference...seems unlikely multiple fuel pumps would be bad.

I di try that, also tried driving with the cap off when she started to starve for fuel.
PS> Was not a good idea, man did it splash everywhere.
I might but another cap, $14, and drill a small hole in it.

 

[RCW]

This would be the pump mounted to the frame rail, right side.
I have to find out out normal lbs pressure for a good pump to get the right replacement.

Don't hold me to it, but recollection is it's just 3 psi or so. Never recall anyone having similar issues with a new BX on my 9+ years on OTT. Especially after replacing lift pump twice.

Guess is something at the tank. Your mission to pull it sounds like a good plan.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

dealer quoted me 3hrs for them to remove/clean/replace the tank
I took 3 real easy days as I wasn't in a hurry and for some 'reason' ,everyone kept coming over asking me to get THEIR jobs done 1st...
1) be careful pulling the 3pt 'locking position knob' off.... $7 for a new one
2) 2 guys to lift seat off ,dang heavy and awkward
3) seat/floor pan, yeah 2 guys for that too
4) be careful pulling the connectors off the wire harnesses
yes can be done by one healthy guy, in 4-5 hours....

 

[whitetiger]

I di try that, also tried driving with the cap off when she started to starve for fuel.
PS> Was not a good idea, man did it splash everywhere.
I might but another cap, $14, and drill a small hole in it.

You have debris in the fuel tank that is floating around and intermittently plugging the fuel outlet at the bottom of the fuel tank. I doubt there is a problem with the electric lift pump, it can't pump fuel if it is not getting any from the tank through the filter.

We remove and clean the fuel tanks on at least 6 units a year.

 

[85Hokie]

This would be the pump mounted to the frame rail, right side.
I have to find out out normal lbs pressure for a good pump to get the right replacement.

your normal pressure is something like 3-4 psi

 

[RCW]

Did you ever pull the fuel line off the lift pump inlet just to make sure there’s good flow via gravity?

Is the fuel filter before the lift pump installed in correct orientation? They go in one direction…..

Have you pulled the fuel line off the “front” fuel filter, then turned the key to actuate the lift pump to make sure there’s good flow?

Not trying to be an asshole…..just a couple of afterthought things I’d try before pulling the tank. Like Jay said, it is a job.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

and.. after the tank's clean, put a filter in the filler neck ! Either a $store sink strainer, cold coffee filter, etc.
I've got 650+ hrs on my orange since the 'cleaning', zero fuel problems.
BTW I couldn't SEE the 'random blockage' even with great LED lights IN the tank....

 

[JerryMT]

Which pump? the lift pump or the injector pump? or do you have a high pressure rail fuel system?

I would start by removing the line from the tank, to the next element in the fuel delivery system. You should have a CONTINUOUS gush of fuel from the tank. If it dribbles or is intermittent, you've found your problem. If you have good flow, re-connect the line and go on to the next element, probably the fuel filter. Remove the line from the discharge end of the filter and make the same check. If you don't have good flow and you just replaced the filter and bled it, there is most likely crud in the filter inlet passages. The next step is most likely the lift pump. Reconnect the previous line and turn on the key and crank the engine (mechanical pump) or just turn the key to the run position. Again, check for good fuel delivery. Reconnect the line and go on to the injector pump. There should be a bleed screw. Open that and crank the engine. You should have a good flow of fuel from the bleeder. If you have bubbly fuel coming, intermittently crank the engine until you get a solid stream of fuel.
If at every step in the process you have good fuel delivery, follow the manufacturer's bleeding instructions. If it still won't start it's possible you either have a lot of trapped air or the IP is the problem. Also look at the condition of the fuel lines. They could be pinched or otherwise damaged.

Systematically go through this process and you have a good chance of finding the faulty element in the fuel delivery system.