BX25D has a clogged nose (fuel filter)!!!

[William1]

My little guy ('Wally') has been working a lot the last two weeks, moving dirt. Today, I noticed him running a little funny. Then suddenly, not holding high rpm. Uh-Oh!!! Misfiring, near stalling, stalling....
Fortunately, the dirt pile is almost next to the shop so I nursed the little guy in. Made it!
I'd changed the fuel filters a few years ago, the one near the tank had been black and crusty with microbes. The one between the pump and injector block, clean. I treat my fuel with a strong dose of anti-Microbe, generally keep it full to the brim but for ten years, it lived in a tent and the condensation was awful. The tank should really be flushed....
So....I immediately suspected the filter. The plate that covers that back filter, was not coming off. Those bolts were permanent! Ok.... I'd changed the filter before with it on.
Small vise grips on the fuel lines on either side of the filter, 10mm socket on an extension to remove the filter mount. Pliers to move the hose clamps, then gentle twisting and pulling and the filter was out. Black!!!! Reversed procedure, new filter in. Got about 12 drops of diesel on me, not bad.
Checked the filter after the fuel pump, looked good so I did not change it.
20 minutes.
Fired it up, ran like a champ!
Clogged nose all better.

 

[John T]

I relocated the rear filter and the pump to the left front frame rail. Now both fuel filters are easily accessible when you pop the hood.

 

[Mmanders6]

I relocated the rear filter and the pump to the left front frame rail. Now both fuel filters are easily accessible when you pop the hood.

I just finished doing the same on my BX. I've been having issues with the fuel line/filter clogging up at least once a year. I always use clean fuel and have a mesh strainer in the filler neck, but it still plugs up. My theory is that some part of the fuel level sending unit is rusting or flaking paint into the tank. At least now I can quickly disconnect and blow the line out without having to remove the mower deck.
I also cut a hole in the top of the tank and installed a clean out port from Boyd welding so I can get my hand in there and wipe up any debris. Hopefully these mods will solve the problem. It's been a pain in my ass.

 

[William1]

I'd thought about relocating but... once every five years, not worth the trouble. I think I had a condensation issue ten years back, (stored more or less exposed to the elements and the tractor would be soaked with condensation) and I've killed all the microbes, just taking time to get the dead bodies out of the tank.

 

[John T]

I also cut a hole in the top of the tank and installed a clean out port from Boyd welding so I can get my hand in there and wipe up any debris.

Interesting. But don't you have to remove the rear fender(s) to access the top of the tank?

 

[Mmanders6]

Interesting. But don't you have to remove the rear fender(s) to access the top of the tank?

I just tilted the seat up and put the hole there. There's a flat section there right above the outlet fitting.

 

[William1]

Ran for five hours today, flawless. Got a lot of dirt to move over the next month or so, I'll be curious if more dead microbes end up in the filter. Today, the tank was run down 75%, hopefully it moved the dead critters to the filter, I'll check in a day or so to see if the filter is black.

 

[William1]

Another filter was clogged today, probably 20 runtime hours. Looks like I have to 'suck it up buttercup' and clean the tank. Ugh. I'm pretty sure it is dead algae. I've been using biocide, keeping the tank full and for the last year, storing thr\e tractor in a nice dry environment (it was in a terribly humid place for a decade).
At last I have a hoist with which I can easily lift the ROPS off and the seat, as they a bit heavy for a single old guy.
So lets say ....
I have the the ROPS and seat and body pan off. Looking at the fuel tank like a dofus. I suppose I can try and run the fuel level down but what next? What do I do with the remaining fuel? Whats the best way to clean it?
I suppose I could fill one or two five gallon cans and take to the local dump, they take used motor oil, diesel close enough in my book.
Then what is the best way to get the tank clean. I assume I can take the tank off and put some sort of cleaner in it an swish it about and...???

Advice? 'How To Guide'? Should I try to polish the fuel in the tank and if so, a reasonable priced rig to do it?

Or....
Should I keep replacing filters as the debris will eventually stop? If so, should I pony up for a remote filter as they are 100X easier to service after the initial PITA to install. Too bad Paul Short decided not to produce., his were nice.

 

[Mmanders6]

Another filter was clogged today, probably 20 runtime hours. Looks like I have to 'suck it up buttercup' and clean the tank. Ugh. I'm pretty sure it is dead algae. I've been using biocide, keeping the tank full and for the last year, storing thr\e tractor in a nice dry environment (it was in a terribly humid place for a decade).
At last I have a hoist with which I can easily lift the ROPS off and the seat, as they a bit heavy for a single old guy.
So lets say ....
I have the the ROPS and seat and body pan off. Looking at the fuel tank like a dofus. I suppose I can try and run the fuel level down but what next? What do I do with the remaining fuel? Whats the best way to clean it?
I suppose I could fill one or two five gallon cans and take to the local dump, they take used motor oil, diesel close enough in my book.
Then what is the best way to get the tank clean. I assume I can take the tank off and put some sort of cleaner in it an swish it about and...???

Advice? 'How To Guide'? Should I try to polish the fuel in the tank and if so, a reasonable priced rig to do it?

I considered taking the tank off and cleaning it out but man, that's a huge ordeal. Instead I relocated the primary fuel filter up by the front axle and started treating with biocide. At least it's easy to inspect and clean now without having to crawl under the tractor. Eventually the crud should all work its way out.

 

[William1]

I considered taking the tank off and cleaning it out but man, that's a huge ordeal. Instead I relocated the primary fuel filter up by the front axle and started treating with biocide. At least it's easy to inspect and clean now without having to crawl under the tractor. Eventually the crud should all work its way out.

Thatis my 'hopeful' thinking. I've been treating with biocide, I hope all the critters are dead and what left is the corpses.

I do have a stainless 'coffee filter' in the filler to catch leaves and such. Have gotten some, surprised as I keep my filler tank capped and fill in the shop.

I am going to do the 'easy access remote' filter I think, I guess the only guy offering is 'BotaProducts', I've no interest and limited skills to fabricate proper brackets.

I'd really hate to be far from the shop and have it quit forcing me to change a filter on my back in the mud!

 

[William1]

I got a 'BotaProducts' remote filter kit. Took me close to three hours (Bota said its an hour). I had recently changed the tank filter so the procedure was familiar.
One bolt on the FEL mount had to be undone. 24" Breaker bar and it was still tough to do. No way to get a rattle gun there. Tight because it was cranked down at the factory, painted over and no anti-seize.
Filter mounted fine, should be safe. The pre-cut line to the area of the old filter was no problem.
Routing and attaching the line from the new filter to the pump, not so clear. Did not have enough corrugated cover, fortunately I had some 'in stock'. Bota sent two mount clamps, needed three. The product used two 90 degree elbows and some hose and instead, should of been a 'U' shaped pipe with barbs.
But... its done. Next time the filter gets clogged, it'll be ten minutes tops to service.
I'll place a order with Messicks for half a dozen filters, a spare bowl and orings.

Kudos to Mike at Bota to be so communicative. I asked a hundred questions and he responded quickly and kindly every time.