Kubota BX1880, BX2380, BX2680 Fuel System Bleeding

BX1880 / BX2380 / BX2680 Owner Service Guide

A diesel engine will not run with air in the fuel lines. The BX has an electric fuel pump that runs whenever the key is on, so bleeding takes about a minute and needs no tools. There are no bleed screws to open.

Interval	As required
Time	5 minutes
Tools	None
Parts	Diesel fuel

When to bleed

After a fuel filter or fuel line has been removed.
After the fuel tank has been run empty.
After the tractor has sat unused for a long time.
When the engine is hard to start, stalls, or loses power and air in the fuel system is suspected.

Bleeding procedure

Fill the fuel tank.
Turn the key to ON and leave it there for about 30 seconds without starting the engine. You will hear the fuel pump run. The pump pushes fuel through the filters and moves the air out of the system.
Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds, then stop it.
Start the engine again and confirm it runs smoothly.

If the engine does not start, turn the key off, wait 30 seconds, and repeat steps 2 and 3. Do not crank the starter for more than 30 seconds at a time. If the engine still will not run after a few attempts, check that the fuel pump runs with the key on, that the fuel filters are not clogged, and that no fuel hose is loose or cracked. An air leak on the suction side of the pump will keep pulling air in no matter how many times the system is bled.

Electric fuel pump and fuel filter below the frame.

What to do when you run out of fuel?

Avoiding air in the system

Do not let the tank run dry. Refuel when the gauge reads low, and fill the tank at the end of the day to limit condensation. When a fuel line is disconnected for service, plug both ends with clean plugs so dirt cannot get in.