def
Being a new diesel owner I was curious if there is a difference where you purchased your def or if there are different brands, good and bad?
Forum Discussion
GoPackGo wrote:
Is this a 'use by' date or a 'born on' date ? And if you could post a pic I would appreciate it. I honestly have not found one.
Thanks,
Tim
Give me a day or so ,and I will go get a picture, I don't have a box at the moment. Its a born on date- DEF magnets -
I've had to get a magnet for the DEF nozzle very often. Most of the time it has just been around the Southeast, but I know of once or twice West of the Mississippi. Usually when I fill up at the truck island, I have to go in and leave a credit card or preset an amount. I usually go ahead ask then if they have a magnet (don't get it around your credit card!).
If you try the DEF nozzle and it clicks off immediately, it needs a magnet. The magnet is a donut - you just place it around the nozzle and it opens an internal valve in the nozzle. I think this valve is to keep contaminants out of the nozzle and keep air from entering the nozzle. I think the big rigs have them built in the DEF filler pipe because I've never seen one use a magnet. I've also heard it's a safety device to keep someone from putting DEF in a fuel tank by accident.
DEF magnets are $25-$30, I just haven't gotten around to getting one. - Is this a 'use by' date or a 'born on' date ? And if you could post a pic I would appreciate it. I honestly have not found one.
Thanks,
Tim GoPackGo wrote:
I've been running the DEF from Walmart since my truck was new 28,000 miles ago with no problems. Keep in mind this DEF is NOT a Walmart product - they just sell it. So I don't understand any reluctance to buy and use the stuff. I like being able to carry a spare container stashed in my 5er (I full time). I'm also sure that the DEF you buy at truck stops is fine too - it causes no problems for the big guys so it should work for us too. But I normally don't buy fuel at truck stops.
I keep reading that DEF in the jugs has a date code. I just bought a jug the other day and made a point to examine the box for any kind of date code. It did not have one that I could see. So has anyone REALLY seen one ?
Tim
Every jug I have bought from Walmart had a date code on the box.- I've been running the DEF from Walmart since my truck was new 28,000 miles ago with no problems. Keep in mind this DEF is NOT a Walmart product - they just sell it. So I don't understand any reluctance to buy and use the stuff. I like being able to carry a spare container stashed in my 5er (I full time). I'm also sure that the DEF you buy at truck stops is fine too - it causes no problems for the big guys so it should work for us too. But I normally don't buy fuel at truck stops.
I keep reading that DEF in the jugs has a date code. I just bought a jug the other day and made a point to examine the box for any kind of date code. It did not have one that I could see. So has anyone REALLY seen one ?
Tim NC Hauler wrote:
psford wrote:
NC Hauler wrote:
Huntindog wrote:
ramgunner wrote:
That works out to about 5 bucks less that buying the 2.5 gallon jug at Walmart. I get about 3000 miles on that. Over 100,000 miles it will cost me 166.00 more to be sure that I am getting pure fresh (date coded) uncontaiminated DEF in my tank.
The magnets are required at some Loves truck stops - the last time I went through Kingman, AZ that one needed it. There are also some BLU stations in Utah and other states, and the last one I used in Hurricane, UT needed it. $2.669 was the last price I got there for DEF.
One bad tank of DEF can cost many times more than that little savings.
I don't see the risk reward ratio being favorable for the cheaper DEF.
YMMV:)
Never really looked at it as a "risk" or a "reward"....I was "given" a 2.5 gallon box of DEF the day I picked up my truck, May 9th, 2013...after it set for over a year, I got rid of it.....date had expired...didn't cost me anything, so I didn't lose anything....I had actually forgotten about it....DEF is DEF, Blue DEF is Blue DEF...it's the same as what's in the box...To me, it's more "convenient" to drive to the truck stop and pump it when I need it....Nothing "cheap" about it...again, same thing as in your box....The DEF I'm getting is just as pure as the DEF you're getting...(sorry, it IS the same thing)...and as much that is used at the truck stops, it too is "fresh" and not "out of date"...almost 28,000 miles, zero DEF issues....
One could get a bad 2.5 gallon jug just as well as one could get bad out of a pump....thus, that too could be costly..
I've heard of zero issues with the 2.5 gallon jugs, and zero issues with DEF being purchased at the pump, but that's just almost 2 yrs come May 9th.
I'm hoping you see the possibility of contamination, you are pumping DEF out of underground tank I have to assume , and how many times have you read about gas ending up in the underground tanks instead of diesel. My son is a store manager for a large food chain, that also has gas ,and diesel pumps on site, and about a year ago ,you guessed it, one of the diesel tanks got filled with gas. I think you know the rest of the story , the store had a few repairs before it ended.
I think the point being made is a 2.5 gallon jug of DEF is very easy to see the liquid, it would be obvious if it had any dirt or whatever in it other then just the clear liquid, on the other hand you have no idea whats coming out of that nozzle ,and tank.
IMO there is enough risk with contaminated diesel fuel, and we read about it a lot, but we have no choice but to pump it from a large underground tank. I will take my chances with 2.5 gallon jugs, at least I can see what I am getting.
I guess anything is possible...at what point do we not do anything because something might happen...I've owned diesels since 02 and have NEVER gotten water in my diesel or contaminated diesel...nor have I have gotten contaminated gas, and I've been driving since 66'..can it happen, sure it can...could it happen to me one day, sure it could..But I'm not going to stop buying DEF at the pump when I've never had the first issue with DEF, if I ever do,, then guess I might think about it then.....heck, there is risk driving to and from work...going fishing, going on vacation, but it is what it is....So, until I get some bad DEF, I'll continue to purchase it at the same place I alway's do...If I go on a trip and before i go, can't find anyplace that pumps DEF, I'll buy a 2.5 gallon jug and use it just like I'd use the pump.
why would someone think that the DEF in that 2.5 gallon jug is alway's going to be perfect..you could also toss a "what if..." out with those also...one just never knows.
I guess thats my point anything can happen, and the less risks I take the better chance I have of eliminating some. No there is no guarantees. The only real point I made about the DEF in the jugs is you can at least see the liquid , and they have a date code on them.
Well I have been driving since 62, and have had diesel trucks since 98, and have had no issues with fuel or DEF, and hopefully what I am doing it will continue to be that way.NC Hauler wrote:
ALL DEF is the same... Agreed!! At least it starts out that way.Huntindog wrote:
ramgunner wrote:
That works out to about 5 bucks less that buying the 2.5 gallon jug at Walmart. I get about 3000 miles on that. Over 100,000 miles it will cost me 166.00 more to be sure that I am getting pure fresh (date coded) uncontaiminated DEF in my tank.
The magnets are required at some Loves truck stops - the last time I went through Kingman, AZ that one needed it. There are also some BLU stations in Utah and other states, and the last one I used in Hurricane, UT needed it. $2.669 was the last price I got there for DEF.
One bad tank of DEF can cost many times more than that little savings.
I don't see the risk reward ratio being favorable for the cheaper DEF.
YMMV:)
Never really looked at it as a "risk" or a "reward"....I was "given" a 2.5 gallon box of DEF the day I picked up my truck, May 9th, 2013...after it set for over a year, I got rid of it.....date had expired...didn't cost me anything, so I didn't lose anything....I had actually forgotten about it....DEF is DEF, Blue DEF is Blue DEF...it's the same as what's in the box...To me, it's more "convenient" to drive to the truck stop and pump it when I need it....Nothing "cheap" about it...again, same thing as in your box....The DEF I'm getting is just as pure as the DEF you're getting...(sorry, it IS the same thing)...and as much that is used at the truck stops, it too is "fresh" and not "out of date"...almost 28,000 miles, zero DEF issues....
One could get a bad 2.5 gallon jug just as well as one could get bad out of a pump....thus, that too could be costly..
I've heard of zero issues with the 2.5 gallon jugs, and zero issues with DEF being purchased at the pump, but that's just almost 2 yrs come May 9th.
The fact is that buying from the pump IS riskier. Did the guy before you get some diesel or other material on or in the nozzle somehow? Have you ever looked inside a nozzle before pumping? I have on the diesel pumps, and on more than one occasion decided to go elswhere.
And yes the truck stops do go thru a lot of DEF. But they buy it in huge lots, and you really have NO WAY of knowing just how old it is.
It is not sealed, and you are trusting the minimum wage personel at the station to do everything right. That is another possible source of contamination. When they switch storage tanks, they can introduce dirt, oil etc into the tank or hose.
I find it very easy to get the 2.5 gallons at Walmart. Sealed and date coded means I have a much better chance of not having problems...
And BTW, I have one of the first GMs made with DEF My 2011 was ordered and delivered in 2010, and I now have over 40K on it.
Since I have more time and experience than you in this, does that make my opinion more valid? Of course not. I did state that YMMV in my post.
Everyone has a different take on risk reward ratios. I don't jump out of perfectly good airplanes just to see the parachute open. I see that as a unecessary risk. The plane is more likely to land without a problem.
Others love doing it. It's a free country. Do what makes you happy
psford wrote:
NC Hauler wrote:
Huntindog wrote:
ramgunner wrote:
That works out to about 5 bucks less that buying the 2.5 gallon jug at Walmart. I get about 3000 miles on that. Over 100,000 miles it will cost me 166.00 more to be sure that I am getting pure fresh (date coded) uncontaiminated DEF in my tank.
The magnets are required at some Loves truck stops - the last time I went through Kingman, AZ that one needed it. There are also some BLU stations in Utah and other states, and the last one I used in Hurricane, UT needed it. $2.669 was the last price I got there for DEF.
One bad tank of DEF can cost many times more than that little savings.
I don't see the risk reward ratio being favorable for the cheaper DEF.
YMMV:)
Never really looked at it as a "risk" or a "reward"....I was "given" a 2.5 gallon box of DEF the day I picked up my truck, May 9th, 2013...after it set for over a year, I got rid of it.....date had expired...didn't cost me anything, so I didn't lose anything....I had actually forgotten about it....DEF is DEF, Blue DEF is Blue DEF...it's the same as what's in the box...To me, it's more "convenient" to drive to the truck stop and pump it when I need it....Nothing "cheap" about it...again, same thing as in your box....The DEF I'm getting is just as pure as the DEF you're getting...(sorry, it IS the same thing)...and as much that is used at the truck stops, it too is "fresh" and not "out of date"...almost 28,000 miles, zero DEF issues....
One could get a bad 2.5 gallon jug just as well as one could get bad out of a pump....thus, that too could be costly..
I've heard of zero issues with the 2.5 gallon jugs, and zero issues with DEF being purchased at the pump, but that's just almost 2 yrs come May 9th.
I'm hoping you see the possibility of contamination, you are pumping DEF out of underground tank I have to assume , and how many times have you read about gas ending up in the underground tanks instead of diesel. My son is a store manager for a large food chain, that also has gas ,and diesel pumps on site, and about a year ago ,you guessed it, one of the diesel tanks got filled with gas. I think you know the rest of the story , the store had a few repairs before it ended.
I think the point being made is a 2.5 gallon jug of DEF is very easy to see the liquid, it would be obvious if it had any dirt or whatever in it other then just the clear liquid, on the other hand you have no idea whats coming out of that nozzle ,and tank.
IMO there is enough risk with contaminated diesel fuel, and we read about it a lot, but we have no choice but to pump it from a large underground tank. I will take my chances with 2.5 gallon jugs, at least I can see what I am getting.
I guess anything is possible...at what point do we not do anything because something might happen...I've owned diesels since 02 and have NEVER gotten water in my diesel or contaminated diesel...nor have I have gotten contaminated gas, and I've been driving since 66'..can it happen, sure it can...could it happen to me one day, sure it could..But I'm not going to stop buying DEF at the pump when I've never had the first issue with DEF, if I ever do,, then guess I might think about it then.....heck, there is risk driving to and from work...going fishing, going on vacation, but it is what it is....So, until I get some bad DEF, I'll continue to purchase it at the same place I alway's do...If I go on a trip and before i go, can't find anyplace that pumps DEF, I'll buy a 2.5 gallon jug and use it just like I'd use the pump.
why would someone think that the DEF in that 2.5 gallon jug is alway's going to be perfect..you could also toss a "what if..." out with those also...one just never knows.NC Hauler wrote:
Huntindog wrote:
ramgunner wrote:
That works out to about 5 bucks less that buying the 2.5 gallon jug at Walmart. I get about 3000 miles on that. Over 100,000 miles it will cost me 166.00 more to be sure that I am getting pure fresh (date coded) uncontaiminated DEF in my tank.
The magnets are required at some Loves truck stops - the last time I went through Kingman, AZ that one needed it. There are also some BLU stations in Utah and other states, and the last one I used in Hurricane, UT needed it. $2.669 was the last price I got there for DEF.
One bad tank of DEF can cost many times more than that little savings.
I don't see the risk reward ratio being favorable for the cheaper DEF.
YMMV:)
Never really looked at it as a "risk" or a "reward"....I was "given" a 2.5 gallon box of DEF the day I picked up my truck, May 9th, 2013...after it set for over a year, I got rid of it.....date had expired...didn't cost me anything, so I didn't lose anything....I had actually forgotten about it....DEF is DEF, Blue DEF is Blue DEF...it's the same as what's in the box...To me, it's more "convenient" to drive to the truck stop and pump it when I need it....Nothing "cheap" about it...again, same thing as in your box....The DEF I'm getting is just as pure as the DEF you're getting...(sorry, it IS the same thing)...and as much that is used at the truck stops, it too is "fresh" and not "out of date"...almost 28,000 miles, zero DEF issues....
One could get a bad 2.5 gallon jug just as well as one could get bad out of a pump....thus, that too could be costly..
I've heard of zero issues with the 2.5 gallon jugs, and zero issues with DEF being purchased at the pump, but that's just almost 2 yrs come May 9th.
I'm hoping you see the possibility of contamination, you are pumping DEF out of underground tank I have to assume , and how many times have you read about gas ending up in the underground tanks instead of diesel. My son is a store manager for a large food chain, that also has gas ,and diesel pumps on site, and about a year ago ,you guessed it, one of the diesel tanks got filled with gas. I think you know the rest of the story , the store had a few repairs before it ended.
I think the point being made is a 2.5 gallon jug of DEF is very easy to see the liquid, it would be obvious if it had any dirt or whatever in it other then just the clear liquid, on the other hand you have no idea whats coming out of that nozzle ,and tank.
IMO there is enough risk with contaminated diesel fuel, and we read about it a lot, but we have no choice but to pump it from a large underground tank. I will take my chances with 2.5 gallon jugs, at least I can see what I am getting.NC Hauler wrote:
ACZL wrote:
I think what lynmore was alluding to was some folks who buy DEF at truck stops fuel lanes accidentally put the DEF in the fuel tank as both the DEF and fuel fills are in same fill location behind fuel cap (at least w/ Ram and Ford).
You REALLY have to NOT be paying attention to what you are doing to allow the above scenario to happen.
I know I am quoting a small bit of the reply but it does happen. There have been reports by some people and even on this forum that people have mistakenly added DEF to their fuel tank. Just as people have added gasoline to their diesel tank and just as people have reported getting water in their fuel tanks from stations that supposedly filter their fuel before it hits the nozzle.
