DEF filter?

[garysfb]

I met a couple the other day with a 2011 Anthem who related a story about having problems with a DEF filter. They purchased it used in 2015 and on a trip experienced DEF fluid leaking out of the tank, at the top. After calls to Entegra and Spartan they determined that the filter "at the bottom of the tank" was clogged. They were also told it should be changed every two years. Somehow he managed to drill some hole internally to get them where they were going. Then ordered and installed the new filter.

My question is does that filter exist on my 2018 Anthem? I've had chassis service, lube, filters etc. done by NIRVC and an inspection just two weeks ago by Spartan and don't remember anything about a DEF filter and don't see it mentioned on the service invoices. Am I missing something?

[Goodspike]

I've never heard of a DEF filter before, FWTIW.

[brobox]

Our DEF engines have filters. Here is the location and change procedures. https://www.irv2.com/forums/f278/def...ge-314501.html


Photo post.
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f278/def...nt-259522.html

[Hayman]

It's not a difficult R & R if you want to DIY.

[garysfb]

Thanks Chuck. I've got almost three years and 43K miles and am in the sooner than later group. Ordered the filter kit through E-Bay using the part number from your Sticky post. Will change when we get home. Here it is if anyone needs it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/E-5303604-D...YAAOSwPwVelzyW

[Mwoodofd]

Changed mine in 5 minutes, with very little DEF coming out. On the bottom rear of the tank, and fairly easy to get to.

[garysfb]

Just another reason why so many of us trust and appreciate NIRVC! I received this email a few days ago from Aaron. So I'll just hang onto the filter for a few more miles. Thanks Aaron

Good morning Gary,

Your post on IRV2.COM was noticed as raising a good question. I’ve been asked to provide you some clarification on the maintenance interval of the DEF filter for your Spartan chassis, and why you never see any mention of it on one of your invoices with us.

The answer to that is fairly simple,

According to Spartan the filter change interval is as follows:

200K miles for ISL
300K miles for ISX

So unless something odd happens or you just end up putting many, many miles on your motorhome, you probably won’t see a DEF filter change requirement while you own that coach.

Most folks end up trading/buying new, long before it’s ever needed.

Please feel free to share that info as you see fit.

Let us know if you need anything else.

Have a great day.


AARON COLL
Headshot of acoll@nirvc.com
SERVICE MANAGER
Direct & Text | 469-277-8592
Main | 469-277-1330
498 E. State Hwy 121
Lewisville, TX | 75057
acoll@nirvc.com | nirvc.com
National Indoor RV Centers - Sales - Service - Storage - Wash

[jrugarber]

Just one more reason why NIRVC is the pre-eminent Dealer in the country! Outstanding customer interaction and response.

[Goodspike]

Originally Posted by garysfb

According to Spartan the filter change interval is as follows:

200K miles for ISL
300K miles for ISX

Probably explains why I've never heard of a DEF filter. Probably not the item on the counter next to the cashier!

But the reason for posting--just yesterday I was following a tanker full of DEF. It made me think of this thread. It made me wonder if your vehicle is more likely to have or need a DEF filter if you're likely to fill from a pump as opposed to a box. The pump nozzles can be a bit dirty compared to what you get when you fill from a box.

[BobG88]

[QUOTE=garysfb;5506512]Just another reason why so many of us trust and appreciate NIRVC! I received this email a few days ago from Aaron. So I'll just hang onto the filter for a few more miles. Thanks Aaron

Good morning Gary,

Your post on IRV2.COM was noticed as raising a good question. I’ve been asked to provide you some clarification on the maintenance interval of the DEF filter for your Spartan chassis, and why you never see any mention of it on one of your invoices with us.

The answer to that is fairly simple,

According to Spartan the filter change interval is as follows:

200K miles for ISL
300K miles for ISX

So unless something odd happens or you just end up putting many, many miles on your motorhome, you probably won’t see a DEF filter change requirement while you own that coach.

Most folks end up trading/buying new, long before it’s ever needed.

Please feel free to share that info as you see fit.

Let us know if you need anything else.

Have a great day.

Gary,

THANK YOU for this post. I was going to change my filter tomorrow; however, with all the DEF head "issues" floating around, I was very apprehensive. I'll definitely table that service indefinitely... Thanks,

BG

[ronlin11]

The DEF filter is to be changed every 200K or every two years. The 200K reference is for long haul truck drivers. This is a per an FMCA magazine article on DEF care.

[RandyRich]

Is there a way to drain the tank? or do I have to pump it out and then change the filter? I have just been adding DEF when it gets to half full. Now that I know better, I will wait until its almost empty and then add - do I fill it full? or 1/2 way? usually drive 600-1100 miles per-month as an average.

[757driver]

Originally Posted by slowrower

Is there a way to drain the tank? or do I have to pump it out and then change the filter? I have just been adding DEF when it gets to half full. Now that I know better, I will wait until its almost empty and then add - do I fill it full? or 1/2 way? usually drive 600-1100 miles per-month as an average.

Does not matter what level the def tank is at when you change the filter, you will only loose about 1/2 a cup of fluid.

[garysfb]

Not sure what you mean by "now that you know better" you wait until it's almost empty? If you're referring to the DEF getting old, I don't believe that is an issue. Same with gas in a car, if you always fill up at half full the dilution will take care of age issues.