How often do you put DEF in a diesel?

If the DEF tank contains less than 5% of its capacity, the equipment engine power will de-rate. Enough power will be available, however, to travel a short distance, so that you can add more fluid to the tank. The DEF tank needs to be filled once for every 3 to 4 times that you refuel with diesel fuel.

How often should I put DEF in my diesel?

DEF is consumed at a rate of about 2-3% relative to the amount of fuel you are using. This means between 1.2 and 2.0 gallons of DEF will be required for a vehicle with a 65-gallon gas tank. If you have a five-gallon DEF tank, DEF should be replaced every third or fourth time you fill up.

How long does diesel DEF last?

Diesel exhaust fluid normally has a shelf life of about two years. However, exposure to sunlight or sustained high temperatures can compromise it.

How many miles does a gallon of DEF last?

How Many Miles Does Def Last? Approximately 800 miles of travel on a single gallon of DEF are possible. The DEF that lasts 300 to 500 miles is 1 gallon.

How long does DEF fluid last in a truck?

The American Petroleum Institute recommends that you determine when DEF was put in the vehicle. The storage life of DEF is about 12 months in optimal conditions. If DEF has been stored in the vehicle over the past 12 months, it is recommended that it be drained and replaced.

21 related questions found

How far can you go on a tank of DEF?

No matter how heavy the load, according to the OE manufacturer, the typical average light duty truck will consume 2-3 gallons of DEF per 800 miles. However, most new trucks with an average miles per gallon rating of 20+mpg will go roughly 8,000-10,000 miles on a tank full (10 gallons) of DPF.

How do I keep my DEF from freezing?

Storing your truck in a heated or insulated garage during cold periods can help prevent your DEF from freezing. Likewise, an insulated tote blanket can help prevent freezing.

How often refill DEF?

The DEF tank needs to be filled once for every 3 to 4 times that you refuel with diesel fuel. The frequency will vary with operating conditions.

How much DEF does a Cummins use?

DEF consumption will be approximately 2% of the diesel fuel consumed. Another way to consider it is that DEF will be consumed on a 50 to 1 ratio with diesel. (For every 50 gallons of diesel fuel burned, you will use 1 gallon of DEF).

Does DEF get old?

Because it doesn't include any preservatives, DEF does come with a shelf life. The good news is, it's a fairly long shelf life; DEF can usually be stored up to one year without any issues.

Will DEF freeze in my truck?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid or DEF Fluid

Whether in storage tanks or in equipment, DEF can freeze and possibly cause issues. As temperatures drop below 12°F, DEF will begin to solidify and not work as intended.

How expensive is DEF?

Urea, created from ammonia, has important uses in fertilizer in addition to being the main ingredient in DEF. With a few exceptions, prices generally trend in the $200-$300 range per ton, but in June prices blew past $400/ton, and since then have continued climbing to a staggering $600/ton.

How do you maintain a DEF system?

Materials that come into contact with DEF must be free from contamination, oil, fuel, dust, detergents and any other chemicals. Containers, funnels and other equipment that will contact or store DEF should be cleaned before use. Wash thoroughly and rinse with distilled water.

Should you top off DEF fluid?

It's good practice to top off the DEF tank at the end of day. DEF tanks can build condensation, and that water can lead to contamination.

What does Blue DEF?

BlueDEF® Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a mixture of high purity synthetic urea and deionized water that is used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems in diesel vehicles. DEF is used to help convert NOx to harmless nitrogen and water.

Does DEF go bad in the sun?

The best temp to store DEF is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that prolonged exposure to sun can harm DEF's composition so keep DEF stored indoors or in a well-shaded area.

Can you pee in your DEF tank?

Please do not urinate in your DEF tank, the SCR system will be damaged and it will cost thousands of dollars to repair.

How long does DEF fluid last in Cummins?

It is recommended that DEF be stored between 12°F and 86°F, but when stored below 65°F, shelf life is extended to 2 years.

Is there a DEF filter?

The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Filter offers a convenient, effective way to deliver clean DEF into your equipment. If DEF is not filtered, urea crystals and other contaminants picked up during storage and handling can cause malfunction of the SCR system.

What is the best DEF fluid?

The best diesel exhaust fluid meets the Environmental Protection Agency's standards and is free from impurities. Valvoline's Premium Blue Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a top choice because it is compatible with all selective catalytic reduction systems and meets the EPA's near-zero nitrogen oxide emissions levels standard.

What is a DEF delete?

DEF Delete

The DEF (diesel engine fluid) system operates similarly to the DPF, removing soot from your engine and storing it in a canister within your exhaust system. Just like the DPF, the system will clear out excess soot by going into a regen cycle and using your vehicle's fuel to burn off and blow out the soot.

How do you winterize a DEF fluid?

Push the DEF pump switch to "Trailer Fill". Allow the pump to run while squeezing the nozzle handle for 30 seconds. Unhook the quick coupler from the nozzle WHILE THE PUMP IS RUNNING. This will evacuate the DEF fluid from the nozzle.

How often should a DEF filter be changed?

Our recommendation? Change the filter at least every 3 years. If you are putting more than 35k miles on a year, try to have it done every 100k miles.

How do you unfreeze a DEF tank?

If DEF freezes in the vehicle, do not put any additives in the tank to help it melt. The fluid needs to remain pure for it to work correctly. The engine will start without a problem, and the tank has a heating element that can quickly thaw the DEF.

How many gallons is a DEF tank?

DEF tanks will hold between 15 and 50 gallons, depending on the equipment size and horsepower.

You Might Also Like