Def Head Replacement

[Motang]

Traveling with friends last week in their 2019 Dutch Star 4080, Spartan K2 chassis. They experienced the dreaded Def Head Failure in northern Fl. Had it towed to a local shop. Spartan worked with the shop and took 4 days to get a new head and back on the road.
The coach was damaged by the tow company. They are working with CoachNet to recover damage cost from tow company.
Just wanted to add this data into the mix of conversation on these Def Heads.

[brobox]

Out of curiosity and trying help other. Was your friend not aware that he only had about 200 miles to get to a service faculty before de-rate? Or did the coach get shut off shorting the de-rate time and mileage? Getting towed is a nightmare for damage being caused.

[Motang]

Chuck this is an easy answer. Stubborn and hard headed. I have been telling him to be aware of this possible situation. He just thought it would keep on driving.

[brobox]

Originally Posted by Motang

Chuck this is an easy answer. Stubborn and hard headed. I have been telling him to be aware of this possible situation. He just thought it would keep on driving.

Thank you for the explanation. Sad there are many that are not educated on the situation. It is left up to the forums, and Facebook to education the customers. Both of those are probably only 10% of the customer base. Many still don't believe it is happening, or the few steps that may have prolonged it because none of the companies involved will put out any formal notices because of the negative publicity. Glad your friend was able to get a DEF head without the long wait.

[CaptVern]

So how far can I drive with the DEF failure light? Not sure how to respond - get off the road at a safe place and call Coach Net, drive to nearest truck repair or Cummins facility and/or if I shut the engine down will it de-rate when restarted? So many opinions here = hard to sort out the proper response.

[brobox]

Originally Posted by CaptVern

So how far can I drive with the DEF failure light? Not sure how to respond - get off the road at a safe place and call Coach Net, drive to nearest truck repair or Cummins facility and/or if I shut the engine down will it de-rate when restarted? So many opinions here = hard to sort out the proper response.

This post will give the best method to get to a repair facility, which would be my choice. Getting towed would be the last resort. Like the OP's friend, probably more damage from the tow than the cost of the DEF head.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f278/new...ue-544904.html

[Archer2]

Just to keep the record straight the post that Chucks link goes to is generally correct EXCEPT for the part about refuelling without also adding DEF. If you add more than a little more than 10 gallons it will trigger the debate. Added DEF fluid at the same time doesn’t do anything because the Def Level sensor is what has failed-the ECM doesn’t know that you might have filled the DEF tank. This misconception comes from confusing what happens when the sensors are working and the operator is just refusing to buy DEF vs what happens if it can’t tell that you have bought DEF.

[Butte64]

Originally Posted by Archer2

Just to keep the record straight the post that Chucks link goes to is generally correct EXCEPT for the part about refuelling without also adding DEF. If you add more than a little more than 10 gallons it will trigger the debate. Added DEF fluid at the same time doesn’t do anything because the Def Level sensor is what has failed-the ECM doesn’t know that you might have filled the DEF tank. This misconception comes from confusing what happens when the sensors are working and the operator is just refusing to buy DEF vs what happens if it can’t tell that you have bought DEF.

So are you saying don’t refuel more than 10 gal to avoid the derate?

[brobox]

Originally Posted by Archer2

Just to keep the record straight the post that Chucks link goes to is generally correct EXCEPT for the part about refuelling without also adding DEF. If you add more than a little more than 10 gallons it will trigger the debate. Added DEF fluid at the same time doesn’t do anything because the Def Level sensor is what has failed-the ECM doesn’t know that you might have filled the DEF tank. This misconception comes from confusing what happens when the sensors are working and the operator is just refusing to buy DEF vs what happens if it can’t tell that you have bought DEF.

You are correct, however there have been failed DEF heads that the DEF level sensor was still working, my 19 and 21 were both like that. The DEF gauge on the dash was still working as well. Not everything in Pat's helpful things to do was written in stone, but it has been the best guideline put out so far. The photo on my 19 and 21 shows the 1761 code inactive, while the other de-rate codes active. In my case the DEF level sensor, especial on the 19 was working. Others will have to read their codes, know what they mean and judge accordingly.

[Rev. Roy]

Just an observation! So you are saying that, by running it until it stops and you need to get towed, you can get a replacement in 4 days instead of waiting a couple months? Except for the damage done, it sounds like a good plan.

[Motang]

Yes! They provided a replacement.

[RELHUB]

Originally Posted by Motang

Traveling with friends last week in their 2019 Dutch Star 4080, Spartan K2 chassis. They experienced the dreaded Def Head Failure in northern Fl. Had it towed to a local shop. Spartan worked with the shop and took 4 days to get a new head and back on the road.
The coach was damaged by the tow company. They are working with CoachNet to recover damage cost from tow company.
Just wanted to add this data into the mix of conversation on these Def Heads.

It is sad they have engineered these engines to the point they are now junk.
I run a diesel fleet and our biggest issue is DEF and DPF failures.
I read this post and it makes me sad for these owners.

Life is short and my time spent with family is too important to me.
I do not want to spend days and or even weeks waiting for parts.
My friends always ask why I have not switched to a diesel powered MH
All of the problems I have running our diesel powered fleet has convinced me to stick with a gas MH.

I hope they get the damage problem resolved to their satisfaction.
I have had many of our trucks damaged by towing.
They do not pay us maybe your friends will have better luck.