DEF Warning!

[timm9]

FWIW, We were on the road for just over a week and while relocating to another park, we stopped by Walmart in Palm Desert to re-supply the refrigerator. While there it dawned on me that I was due to top off the DEF Tank, so I grabbed a 2 ½ gallon box.

Early the next morning I was working outside the 5th wheel and decided to top off the DEF Tank. Upon opening the Box and Cap I noticed that the seal was broken. I did remember reading on one of the Forums that unscrupulous people are purchasing the DEF and then re-filling with water and returning to the Store, resulting in an expensive trip to the dealership not to mention the down time. After closely inspecting the DEF content I elected to not use the DEF and trashed it. I purchased another brand of DEF (Sinclair?) and noticed that there is no way to open and use the DEF without destroying the package. Check closely and if the Seal is broken do not use.

 

[JimM2109S]

Sorry that you had to waste good money on a very questionable product. I've had similar occur, most recently with Mobil 1 oil filters that had Fram filters in the package. It also happens with Amazon purchases where you would think there was some level of quality control on returned items.

You made the smart choice even if it cost you twice as much for that quantity of DEF.

 

[Flybob]

I always check caps now. I bought 5 Gal Synthetic Oil for an oil change. When I went to add new oil, I noticed it was very dark. Someone returned 5 gal used oil and the store never checked.

 

[bikendan]

Moved thread from the Rockwood sub-forum to the Towing and Tow Vehicles sub-forum since DEF has nothing to do with Rockwoods but does with Tow Vehicles.

 

[ppine]

thanks.

 

[asr524]

This is why I grab DEF from a truck stop pump. No dealing with jugs of fluid and its always fresh.

 

[AudiDudi]

Buy a $20 refractometer and test the DEF before adding.

 

[RangeMaggotBob]

Thanks so much for that info. Just going to the store tomorrow to pick up some DEF.

 

[RangeMaggotBob]

Buy a $20 refractometer and test the DEF before adding.

Okay, I give up. I own a lot of tools, but totally ignorant as to what a refractometer is. It actually took me forever just to spell it right.

 

[AudiDudi]

Okay, I give up. I own a lot of tools, but totally ignorant as to what a refractometer is. It actually took me forever just to spell it right.

It will tell you the concentration of the urea in the DEF. Also useful for a couple other things. Just put a drop of fluid on the glass and look through it.



https://www.amazon.com/Refractometer-concentration-Hamh-Optics-Tools/dp/B073Q2LSG9/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3KR4REBDL2NSV&keywords=refractometer&qid=1707232004&sprefix=refractom%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-5

 

[Lost my beer]

Wait. Is this really a thing, or kinda like the ole wives tales of all them solar panels departing the roofs, and cops pulling people over for assuming they are overweight?
Troy

 

[Splashes3]

I ALWAYS check the percentage of Urea in my DEF before adding it. Knock on wood, it has always been correct.

 

[RickV]

On a side note. "Always" check the date of manufacture of the DEF it has a shelf life of about a year.

 

[AudiDudi]

On a side note. "Always" check the date of manufacture of the DEF it has a shelf life of about a year.

The shelf life of DEF is highly dependdent on the temperature and can vary from 2 months to 36 months.


https://www.motorcraft.com/content/...st_Fluid/DEF Shelf Life and Fluid Quality.pdf

 

[NJKris]

It will tell you the concentration of the urea in the DEF. Also useful for a couple other things. Just put a drop of fluid on the glass and look through it.



https://www.amazon.com/Refractomete...d=1707232004&sprefix=refractom,aps,159&sr=8-5

Most importantly used when I make beer to determine alcohol content!

 

[Mjchiaro]

Pour a little on a piece of hard plastic and wait. Water will evaporate and leave nothing where DEF leaves the non water part behind as a solid. But still, never buy DEF from a place with a no question return policy.

Mike

 

[Spower001]

I buy it at the pump at truck stops! Easier and cheaper!!

 

[Fireladydi]

What is DEF?

 

[Harley on board]

i have also read to try to avoid the containers They cannot be recycled because of the original contents and just go to the landfil. Whenever possible i try to get the DEF at the truck stop at the pump.

 

[NJKris]

What is DEF?

A special fluid diesel engine owners must buy to keep their machines running. One less thing to worry about being a gasser!