I have searched, spent hours on AI asking questions but have yet to find a solution. I'm hoping someone here can offer some advice. I have a 2020 BX2380. 100 hours on it. Last winter during a cold start ( I live in Maine) the tractor started but rpm climbed uncontrollably then dropped and the tractor stalled. Throttle movement in this timeframe has no effect. After that it would not restart. I changed fuel filters (fun because I had to lay in a snow bank). I checked the lp fuel pump. Had good fuel flow. Still would not start. I winched it onto a trailer and delivered it to my dealer. I was planning on having to pull it off the trailer but one of the techs came out and wouldn't you know it. It started. I asked that they go through it anyway. All they said they found was some moisture in the oil. Fast forward to this year. Same symptoms. Governor linkage is well lubricated and works smoothly. Fuel shut off solenoid appears to operate correctly. I have winter blend fuel with Hotshot diesel additive, also added some 911. I have learned this year, if I start it and rpms climb, shut it down and let it sit for 20 minutes it starts and runs fine. Also, if I keep the tractor in a heated space it starts and runs fine. I am at a loss here. Actually considering trading this in this coming summer if I can't resolve the issue. If anyone can offer a next step I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance!!!
Cold start issue
- Thread starter jcaron5
- Start date
I would change fuel supplier and get any and all fuel into a separate container, including what is in the tractor. Save that fuel for summer use only or dispose of it, then get fresh from your new supplier and treat it for winter use.
Russell King
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L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
When you say the “rpm climbed uncontrollably” did it climb above the highest RPM that it normally can run? Or did it go to the maximum RPM then run until it acted like it ran out of fuel?
If it was in a runaway situation (RPM out of normal range) then it is getting some type of fuel from somewhere (oil or diesel) that is getting sucked directly into the cylinders.
Since you describe it as normal later on or due to warmth, it seems that something is happening to the fuel control system due to some ice accumulation???
If it was in a runaway situation (RPM out of normal range) then it is getting some type of fuel from somewhere (oil or diesel) that is getting sucked directly into the cylinders.
Since you describe it as normal later on or due to warmth, it seems that something is happening to the fuel control system due to some ice accumulation???
FWIW... 5-6 year old tractor has 100 hrs on it, so I'd dump 100% of whatever mystery mix of 'fuel' is in the tank, also drain the fuel filters. BTW does it come out clear or blackish ?
Start FRESH... fill the tank full of new diesel fuel. prime it ( key on 30 seconds, key off 30 seconds, then key on preheat910 steamboats, start. let it run bit higher than idle for say 10 minutes. shut off, wait 10 minutes, restart. see how it goes.
Start FRESH... fill the tank full of new diesel fuel. prime it ( key on 30 seconds, key off 30 seconds, then key on preheat910 steamboats, start. let it run bit higher than idle for say 10 minutes. shut off, wait 10 minutes, restart. see how it goes.
it will run up to approxim 3600-3800 rpm. Then the rpms drop steadily and it stalls. Then no restart. Once I do get it to start (let it sit 20 minutes or so ) it will start and run fine. I had also found in the past if I kept cranking it, it would try to start, sputter and eventually run if I didn't kill the battery first. I keep thinking governor issue but as stated the linkage moves smoothly so possibly internal to the gov? All temp related, I'm just unsure what internal to the gov would be so affected by cold temps. I have never seen any signs of moisture, ice or snow under the hood.
will give this a try as well. I also order a block heater... Starting to grab straws here, I use this to clean snow from my driveway and we're not close to end of winter :-/
silly idea..but easy to confirm/deny . crank open or remove fuel tank cap.
If the vent in the cap is blocked, might provide enough vacuum to prevent fuel from flowing to the engine, so engine stops as it 'ran out of fuel'.
The 'magical' 20 minutes or so could be the time it takes for the vacuum seal to eventually break and 'it's fine' again, for another 20 or so.
Like I said, easy to test and if it's not the problem , one less thing to check off the list......
If the vent in the cap is blocked, might provide enough vacuum to prevent fuel from flowing to the engine, so engine stops as it 'ran out of fuel'.
The 'magical' 20 minutes or so could be the time it takes for the vacuum seal to eventually break and 'it's fine' again, for another 20 or so.
Like I said, easy to test and if it's not the problem , one less thing to check off the list......
Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
A few more questions about the tractor problem…
1) Have you used it during the summer time or is it only used in cold weather?
2) Did it run fine in warm conditions?
3) Can you keep the tractor above freezing and use it a few times to make sure it always works properly when warm? Or maybe you have already said that it operates fine when kept warm?
4) Does the tractor ever stall after being operated if really cold conditions (kept warm to start and then used in below freezing temperatures for hours=stall or no stall)
It really sounds like there is something in the fuel lines or fuel delivery system that is freezing. I think you said you are sure the fuel is treated well enough that should not be a concern but I agree that getting old fuel out and filters changed out and new winter blend fuel into the tractor will eliminate that concern.
1) Have you used it during the summer time or is it only used in cold weather?
2) Did it run fine in warm conditions?
3) Can you keep the tractor above freezing and use it a few times to make sure it always works properly when warm? Or maybe you have already said that it operates fine when kept warm?
4) Does the tractor ever stall after being operated if really cold conditions (kept warm to start and then used in below freezing temperatures for hours=stall or no stall)
It really sounds like there is something in the fuel lines or fuel delivery system that is freezing. I think you said you are sure the fuel is treated well enough that should not be a concern but I agree that getting old fuel out and filters changed out and new winter blend fuel into the tractor will eliminate that concern.
North Idaho Wolfman
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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
The governor linkage is 100% internal and unaccesible without tearing down the motor.
It's very likley not a water in fuel issue, that's why the fuel additives have little to no effect.
What is likely is water / condensation in the Motor oil and in the motor cavities.
This causes the fuel injector rack / the linkage and or the governor to geet stuck till it heats up.
Now how you would fix this issue...
First remove and replace the breather valve, it's probably malfunctioning.
Have a good sized oil pan at the ready, loosen the drain plug but do not remove it, (if it's slowly dripping or leaking right now that's fine).
Loosen the filter then back to just snug tight.
Get the tractor as hot as possible, keep running it with oil fill cap off look for steam coming out oil fill hole.
After running it for a while, drain the oil and filter while it's hot ( use extreme caution and protection while doing this ).
Change all oil at a greater rate in the future.