A DEF Product Question

[2500W/T]

There is an specific brand or type for this fluid?  Is it like buying Windshield Washing Fluid (many prices, types and quality)?  Or is like buying Motor Oil as far Viscosity and Type (Dino Vs Syn)?

[redwngr]

All def is made to the same ISO specification.

The number is listed in the diesel supplement, but it's all made to the same one anyway. 

 

It is a blend of urea and water.  There are no additives.  There are no 'grades' of def.

 

The ratio of urea/water was selected so that when it freezes/thaws it will not salt out (It stays blended, and will perform the same as before it was frozen.  At other water/urea ratios this does not occur)

 

You can use the bulk pump directly into your truck's tank at a nearby truck stop. 

 

Most places that have diesel also have def in jugs.

It is not necessary to fill the def tank completely. 

When mine gets down to the 1000 mile warning (mine pops that warning at about 20% of def indicator) it either gets filled at a bulk pump or I just dump in 1 of the 2.5 gal / 10L jugs.  

 

GM dealers charge way way more for def than other locations. 

 

Typically DEF cost per gallon should be about the same as diesel.

Since DEF usage is less than 2% of fuel usage it's cost per mile is insignificant compared to other ownership and operation costs. 

 

[Bones454]

I saw Walmart sells it in a couple gallon jug can’t remember the brand but this is all new to me my first diesel.

Great question and answer.

[Colossus]

I used the Walmart stuff with no issues and many others do as well.  Just make sure the date stamp on there is recent (within the past 6 months) 

[2500W/T]

Well, yesterday stopped at the fuel station and went to the truck pumps, they do have DEF, just like pumping fuel.  Strange they serve Diesel with the Gasoline but no DEF on the same pumps.  Anyway, filled up the tank, about 2.4 Gls, the pump stopped, just like the fuel ones.  Now is 100%, I am not sure if is over filled or not, kind of hard to tell.  Read on the Owners Manual (I do read those books, lots of good info) that is overfilled it might freeze by the service tube, is summer, so by the winter, it will some down, so not worrying for now.

 

Interesting how this crap is expensive, just to put Piss Water in the truck piss tank, I could make that myself.   Piss in a jug and add some Distilled water, how hard can that be? 1/3 Piss, 2/3 Water and cal it a day

[samuse]

It's urea.  Not urine. It's liquid fertilizer.  

[redwngr]

15 hours ago, 2500W/T said:

Interesting how this crap is expensive, just to put Piss Water in the truck piss tank, I could make that myself.   Piss in a jug and add some Distilled water, how hard can that be? 1/3 Piss, 2/3 Water and cal it a day

Be sure to let us know how that works out for you....

 

 

[2500W/T]

Hey, is a joke, a sarcasm

[ChuckTaylor]

Maybe semi-related -- any way to track DEF usage in a handy app?  

[2500W/T]

Why you want an application?  In my W/T and I believe on other upper trim levels, there is a DEF gauge on the DIC.  A simple calculation will tell you, also, found some good info in the Owners Literature.  DEF comsumption (Regeneration)will in crease with PTO and Idle, of lets say, DEF usage per Miles driven, will increase.

 

I say, nah, too complicated to use a Phone to track stuff.

[newdude]

Freshness is key.  If its sitting on a shelf below 86F it can last up to 2 years.  Heat and direct sunlight shorten its life.

 

Quote

 

General Information

Note: DEF usage will vary depending on: driving style, trailer towing, loaded vehicle weight, weather, idle time, PTO usage.

As a general rule, when the DIC shows a DEF level of anything except OK, you can add at least 2.5 gallons (9.5L). The amount to add to top off will vary.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is required to maintain normal vehicle operation and emissions compliance. When filling the DEF tank, there may be a short delay before detecting the increased level of fluid and updating the Driver Information Center (DIC).

 

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) has a shelf life of 2 years. However, this can be reduced if the fluid is exposed to direct sunlight or above 30°C (86°F) for sustained periods. All DEF packaging should be labeled with a production date.

 

The Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a series of messages regarding the amount of DEF that is available. When mileage countdown is zero, the vehicle speed is reduced. Refer to Owners Manual.

Cold Weather Operation Information

DEF freezes when exposed to temperatures below -11°C (12°F). In cold conditions it is normal for DEF to freeze. The tank and delivery lines are heated to thaw frozen DEF. When filling the tank in cold conditions, the vehicle may not recognize the new level until the tank thaws. In certain cold conditions, it is possible to find some frozen DEF in the DEF fill pipe opening. If you are expecting to be in extremely cold areas, it is recommenced to fill the tank prior to cold temperature exposure.

 

 

 

[2500W/T]

Sunlight will not be much of an issue, the tank is black and under the cab.  The temp is the kicker.  Perhaps, during hot summer days, might not be a good idea to top the tank off.  Depending on usage, 1/4 to 1/2, just to keep the fluid fresh.

[Black02Silverado]

Best bet is to find a truck stop that sells it at the pump.  It will be the freshest you will find and since it is in an undergone tank it keeps it at a nice cool temp.  Not to mention I have found it to be less expensive and you don't have to deal with the jugs and disposal.

 

You can do a search here. 

[newdude]

34 minutes ago, 2500W/T said:

Sunlight will not be much of an issue, the tank is black and under the cab.  The temp is the kicker.  Perhaps, during hot summer days, might not be a good idea to top the tank off.  Depending on usage, 1/4 to 1/2, just to keep the fluid fresn.

 

Its related to the storage the sunlight and temp.  Once its in the truck, its being used up and those don't apply to it.  Plus the Colorado/Canyon and the 2020 HD and 1/2 ton diesels the tanks are all within the frame rails (in varying locations) unlike the 11-19 trucks.  

[2500W/T]

I see DEF to be more of hassle than anything else.  I wonder, does it actualy makes a significant difference having these type of emission systems or is more of "Greenie" pleaser and anoyance?

 

For example, I have no gripes with Gasser's Cathalytic Converters, is a passive system, does help and with pressent tech, vehicle performance is not that bad.   Unless, you are modding for higher performance, but that is an entirely different ball of wax.