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Old 10-18-2016, 11:43 PM   #1
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Top off or not top off that is "def" question

I'm sorry if I repeating this thread again. So many threads about this very subject is almost 50-50 to top off and not top off def fluid. My question to you is but please no manual. In real life did you top off without waiting def warning light? My sprinter has def gauge just like fuel gauge. It is showing just slightly over half tank. Mercedes service dept said don't wait. What do you say?

Thanks
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Old 10-19-2016, 02:51 AM   #2
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I never have waited for the warning light. I top off at half tank or just below. Also carry one back up 2.5 gallons.
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Old 10-19-2016, 06:48 AM   #3
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Sure, why wait? I dump another one or two 2.5 gallon jugs in whenever I think about it.
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Old 10-19-2016, 07:00 AM   #4
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Doesn't matter - your vehicle, your choice... current coach doesn't need def (yippee!)

but with my diesel pickups,
I just topped off anytime I passed a truck stop that sold the diesel out of the pump for $2.49 or less... much easier imho than fighting the bottle

and never wanted to worry about running out... honestly, it got to be a non event after I figured out how long that stuff lasted... even got a good sam pilot flying j card so I could pay at the pump for it!
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Old 10-19-2016, 07:11 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kohraptor View Post
I'm sorry if I repeating this thread again. So many threads about this very subject is almost 50-50 to top off and not top off def fluid. My question to you is but please no manual. In real life did you top off without waiting def warning light? My sprinter has def gauge just like fuel gauge. It is showing just slightly over half tank. Mercedes service dept said don't wait. What do you say?

Thanks

Do you wait to fill up the diesel until the "low fuel" light comes on? Just a thought
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Old 10-19-2016, 07:16 AM   #6
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Depends on you useage.
DEF has a expiration date. It can go bad just sitting in your tank.

So I wait until the last green light, then add more.
i only add 2 to 5 gallons at a time and wait for the last light again.

Mainly take weekend trips, so my usage us low.
Did fill up for our 12 day vacation on 1,700 miles.

This way the "old" DEF gets diluted with the new.

Regards,

Dan
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Old 10-19-2016, 05:16 PM   #7
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Thanks for your replied. I've read def posts in here or some other site. People spoke of issues from added after light comes on or when ever they got a chance. I am asking because I like hear from folk like Addisons.
Quote:
I never have waited for the warning light. I top off at half tank or just below. Also carry one back up 2.5 gallons.
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Old 10-24-2016, 11:51 PM   #8
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All anadotal information, gleaned from the boards or forums.

Top off after every trip or 2000 miles, here my thoughts/reasons.

First, while there is an expiration date I doubt I will ever exceed that date we travel at least 12000 miles per year.

Second, I hate the idea of not having a gauge only that idiot lamp (poor) design.

Third, half empty tank makes it possible for crystals to form in the tank. Crystals form when DEF is exposed to air, look at the DEF filler neck. Crystals even though rare have created blockage which require tank maintenance, not something I want to deal with while traveling.

Fourth, when I store my Navion for an extended time I always top off for those same reasons.
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Old 10-25-2016, 12:08 AM   #9
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The indicator was one click about half tank, so at the time it shows to tank neck when I was topping off. It took almost the whole 2.5 gallons. I drove around about 30-40 miles. Thanks for all your suggestions.
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Old 10-25-2016, 08:16 AM   #10
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The DEF tank on our 2017 View appears to be about 5 gallons in capacity.

When our gauge on the instrument cluster reads half full, I fill it, since that's when it will take a 2.5 gallon jug of the stuff.

In general, I don't carry extra DEF. When the gauge gets close to 1/2 I find it on my route.
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Old 10-25-2016, 04:37 PM   #11
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I'm just like you Ron, now that I know when Def indicator shows half or a little less than it will take the whole 2.5 gallons. I will add it when it get to that point. I don't have to carry it with me on the trip.
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Old 10-25-2016, 07:46 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Canyonlands View Post
The DEF tank on our 2017 View appears to be about 5 gallons in capacity.

When our gauge on the instrument cluster reads half full, I fill it, since that's when it will take a 2.5 gallon jug of the stuff.

In general, I don't carry extra DEF. When the gauge gets close to 1/2 I find it on my route.
You actually have a DEF gauge? Perhaps that something new on the newer chassis? Mine is a 2016 Navion 24J (built on a 2015 chassis).
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Old 10-25-2016, 09:27 PM   #13
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Yes just push + twice than you will see on dash say "def level" and down where fuel gauge is for def. It should be the same cause mine is also 2015 chassis.
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Old 10-25-2016, 10:25 PM   #14
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Top it off, that was the original question if I recall,
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