Got DEF?

[slabman]

While sitting around waiting for the basement carpet to dry (don't ask ) I decided to go to Sams to make my very first excursion into the DEF world. Picked up three 2.5 gal. jugs of Blue Def at $10.88 each. After dumping 5 gallons in, I decided it might be nice to calibrate my 15 gallon tank.

There was some discussion earlier as to where the full mark would be and I can confirm its just below the base of the fill spout. I found 6 in. of tank height corresponded to 5 gallons of fluid, so those with this size tank can mark yours accordingly. If you look under the support bracket you can see the bottom of the DEF tank, so it's easy to get a good read. BTW...The included spout was plenty long enough to reach the tank.

Bottom line....not a difficult task, but not something any of us should relish. Much better to find a bulk fill location.

[danleininger]

Bulk will always be cheaper, but $10.88 beats Walmart's $12 price. Acturally, I didn't realize that Sams carried DEF. Thanks for the info!!!

[slabman]

Dan, it's right next to the motor oil.

[traveldawg]

FWIW...... and I'm sure I'm not the first to suggest this....

I buy from the truck fuel stops and fill a used 2.5 gallon DEF container (one from Irving Oil because it has a separate vent unlike the "Blue DEF" containers found at most retail stops).

Anyway... I let the the level drop to 1/4 tank, then fill my 2.5 gallon DEF container at my next fuel stop. Upon reaching my next overnight stop I put the 2.5 gallons of DEF into the DEF tank.

I don't top off the DEF tank much anymore. It has a shelf life of 1 year so I try to keep my DEF fresh. And the DEF goes a long way. Besides, my DEF tank is on the PS at the rear and I use my fuel fill that is in the front on the DS.

[slabman]

TDawg, actually the Blue DEF DOES have a vent built into the base of the screw-on spout. Works quite well, surprisingly. But I agree with you, we don't want to keep too much of this stuff in the tank, lest it "go off" due to time and heat. Afterall, this stuff doesn't exactly have the most favorable odor.

[Doctor DEF]

I just love the member names used on this forum

Slabman: great idea to add the marks to the tank! Also, the Blue DEF vent as part of the spout is clever. Lets air in but not DEF out. It does tend to get clogged with urea crystals, bit a quick rinse with water fixes that.

Traveldawg: Using an empty DEF container for filing up with pump DEF is a good idea and works well. Be careful of the paper seal on the cap that can degrade over time and contaminate the DEF. Since these jugs are meant to be disposable, handle them carefully and keep the cap on whenever stored on your vehicle.

Fresh DEF should be odorless. It only has an ammonia odor when it is exposed to heat and decomposes. The DEF specification limits ammonia content to .2% and DEF I make with certified automotive grade urea and distilled water is near 0% ammonia and has no odor (certified lab test results).

$10.88 per 2.5 gallon is indeed a great price for jugs.

Erich