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Old 09-25-2020, 08:16 PM   #41
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Walmart has their "Super Tech" brand in a 2.5 gallon blue poly jug for ~ $8. I've used it many times over the years and have never had a problem. As already mentioned, as long as it meets or exceeds SAE & API standards, you're good to go. Also as mentioned; Bulk DEF purchased at a truck stop diesel pump at a will be less expensive than the "bottled" product.
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Old 09-25-2020, 08:21 PM   #42
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The bad thing about the Walmart brand is the seals don't seal well. Almost every jug of it is caked with crystalized DEF from one leaking. And when you check the seal on the jug, half the time they're not attached.

But at least the date is easy to read.
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Old 09-25-2020, 08:22 PM   #43
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My 2014 Chevy Duramax defiantly has a heater in the DEF tank. It failed twice and dealer replaced tank both times. Third time the sensor went bad and again dealer replaced the whole tank. All this was covered under Chevy warranty as they apparently had a bad batch of heaters and sensors in the 2013-2015 years. Warranty was 5 years or 100,000 miles. Sadly I’m past the five years.
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Old 09-25-2020, 08:24 PM   #44
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But does it heat when the truck is sitting outside overnight? Even when plugged in, my Ram doesn't heat the DEF tank.
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Old 09-25-2020, 08:38 PM   #45
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Screw around at a truck stop? I pull in, fuel up, and add DEF when needed. Couldn't be simpler and I don't have to worry about the box nozzle fitting snugly so I don't drip DEF all over the compartment, and it's cheaper.
Ditto what you said about using truck stops. I was apprehensive at first, but both fueling and DEF filling are simple and quick...quicker than at the automobile pumps...and it's soooo much easier getting my rig through those truck lanes.
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Old 09-25-2020, 08:45 PM   #46
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But does it heat when the truck is sitting outside overnight? Even when plugged in, my Ram doesn't heat the DEF tank.
Only heats when my truck is running.
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Old 09-25-2020, 11:14 PM   #47
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Age and contamination are the two big issues with DEF. Other than that, DEF is DEF regardless of packaging. Clean and fresh is key.
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Old 09-26-2020, 10:08 AM   #48
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DEF age

according to this link, 12 months.
https://www.brenntag.com/media/docum...mates-2016.pdf
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Old 09-27-2020, 03:33 AM   #49
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I use the Blue DEF box because I don’t go to truck stops. I can go 800 miles on a 2.5 gal box and I add one box every other day of traveling. I just got 2 boxes for $24 at Tractor Supply on sale. I am sure I could save money, but my convenience is more important to me.
Are you sure about that? I get almost 10,000 miles out of 7.5 gallons in my 3/4 ton truck.
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Old 09-27-2020, 05:48 AM   #50
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DEF is easy, Walmart when needle hits 1/2 add one 2 1/2 gallon right there Walmart lot. Never seen broken seal or bad date, I always check.
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Old 09-27-2020, 06:25 AM   #51
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Walmart price ends up at $3.20/gal It's easier for me to pay that than go screw around at a truck stop. JMHO.
We buy most of our diesel fuel at Petro and get the great discount from our TSD fleet card - so it's no problem to add DEF while we're there at the pump anyway.
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Old 09-27-2020, 07:45 AM   #52
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Originally Posted by eaglecrest View Post
I've been told that Ford and Ram are the best DEF - that's independent service people advise. I get Ford DEF at my local Ford dealer for $24.75 that's 5 gallons(comes in a case of 2 2.5 gal containers). My son uses Blue DEF and he just spent $3400 on getting his system fixed and they told him to use either Ford or RAM DEF. I'm not saying one is better than the others - just what service people told me.


I’ve been using Blue DEF in 2 Chevy trucks at just over 130,000 miles with no problem with DEF system. I always make sure the seals are good, and yes I have found broken/missing seals.

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Old 09-27-2020, 10:37 AM   #53
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Just wondering if there is any difference in the quality of DEF fluids between brands.
Here's my experience. I have a 2018 GMC 3500hd Duramax. Bought it new. It now has 54,000 miles. I can say 99% of the time I buy Walmart brand DEF. (2.5 gallons for $7) It has always run fine with that. The only time I didn't buy Walmart is because they were too far away for my poor timing.

I know that when I get a warning that I'm down to 29-30%, I can add 5 gallons of DEF. I just carry two jugs, 5 gallons, in the back of the truck when I'm towing.


Just my 2¢
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Old 09-27-2020, 06:16 PM   #54
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Check out BlueFire j1939 adapter. It allows you to monitor all kind of chassis data including DEF quality and temp. Great device and great support.
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Old 09-27-2020, 07:10 PM   #55
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I get my DEF where I get my fuel, at truck stops. Easy and no mess.


Same here.
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Old 09-27-2020, 08:28 PM   #56
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DEF Heater and Shelf Life

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chascin View Post
Only heats when my truck is running.

DEF freezes and thaws with no harm. The GM Trucks (and assume others) have a small heater to thaw a small quantity for use by the system, during very cold periods. tNo harm leaving the tank full over winter.


Summer is another, more serious matter.



DEF deteriorates at temperatures above 75 F. The higher the temperature, the shorter the life. This is a lesson I learned the hard way. (It costs $1,000 or more to remove the tank and replace the pump and injector.) See this article from a supplier https://www.peakhd.com/lifeblood/flu...contamination/


Since one cannot tell how DEF was stored before purchase, so best bet is to buy from a supplier that sells a lot and keeps a fresh supply. Check date on the container to be sure it isn't over 12 months old, to be on the safe side.
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Old 09-28-2020, 05:16 AM   #57
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Originally Posted by LSLBlues View Post
Check out BlueFire j1939 adapter. It allows you to monitor all kind of chassis data including DEF quality and temp. Great device and great support.
Interesting gadget, I'll have to look into that. Thanks for posting it.
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Old 09-28-2020, 05:25 AM   #58
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Originally Posted by Mikec557 View Post
Interesting gadget, I'll have to look into that. Thanks for posting it.


I used to have a ScanGauge D and switched to the BlueFire about 6 months ago. I love it. Very easy to read and customizable with a lot of great information all on one screen.
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Old 09-28-2020, 08:59 AM   #59
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It is Urea. Period. How much quality does one need for Urea?
It is sprayed into the exhaust, ahead of the Catalyst (SCR). Doesn't go into the engine.
Sole purpose is to reduce COx.
So, quality is a non-issue. Buy the cheap stuff.
Typo?

From Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_exhaust_fluid

" ... used to reduce the amount of NOx released into the atmosphere."
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Old 09-30-2020, 06:48 AM   #60
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"I get my DEF where I get my fuel, at truck stops. Easy and no mess."

To save money do not fill diesel at a truck stop.

Sure its great when we had a bus conversion and could fill from both sides to get 150 gallons.
The dinky diesel nozzle was a PIA

But now with a Sprinter we only take 20 gal or so and the frequent dime a gallon cheaper at the car diesel pumps eventually buys dinner out.
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