DEF Blue Adding

4x4ord wrote:

Winged One wrote:
Just be sure you have a system in place to ensure you don't overfill and leak down the side of the truck. Or clean it quick.

I just filled my Ford using the Ford spout on a TerraCair DEF bottle. It took 2 of the 2.5 gallons, then stops. Leave the spout in, drop the bottle below the spout, excess fluid goes back into the jug, when done, remove the spout. Easy, peasy.

I've overfilled mine and not worried about wiping off the side of the truck. It dried a kind of white flakey film that very easily washed off at my next car wash two weeks later. Why do caution about quickly cleaning it?

DEF is corrosive for some metals such as carbon steel, aluminum, copper and zinc

Would Diesel Exhaust Fluid corrode paint or surface finishings?
Definitive studies are ongoing but the corrosion characteristics should be similar to windshield wiper fluids which also contain ammonia.

Better safe than sorry.

Well, take it from me, it really looks bad (from the first time I tried to fill the DEF tank in the dark), and I understand there is an ammonia factor in this fluid. That might be where the corrosion comes from. Fortunately, I did it this time in the garage, fully lighted, and standing on a little stool so I could reach inside the engine compartment instead of standing on my tippy-toes and hoping I get it right.

Winged One wrote:
Just be sure you have a system in place to ensure you don't overfill and leak down the side of the truck. Or clean it quick.

I just filled my Ford using the Ford spout on a TerraCair DEF bottle. It took 2 of the 2.5 gallons, then stops. Leave the spout in, drop the bottle below the spout, excess fluid goes back into the jug, when done, remove the spout. Easy, peasy.

I've overfilled mine and not worried about wiping off the side of the truck. It dried a kind of white flakey film that very easily washed off at my next car wash two weeks later. Why do caution about quickly cleaning it?

I guess I differ from most here. I know that DEF has a shelf life and degrades over time. I feel like if I keep toping it off that the DEF in the tank will slowly degrade. I run the tank down pretty low before refilling with fresh fluid.

Remember it can get really old if you don't use on a regular basis. Mine may set for a few weeks in the winter. I understand in extreme weather (hot )r cold) it can go bad. I don't worry about it but will not store it up for a year or two. I have some in the ahead that I'm now afraid to use.

Thanks for the help with this. Didn't want to do something that would mess up the engine.

jalichty wrote:
Just wondered whether a person might "top off" the DEF tank instead of waiting for the warning stuff to light up and mess with my comfort level? Does it hurt anything to do this?

Since you show WY as your location, I agree with others. Down here with the south TX heat I only add what I think I'll use in the next two or three months, especially in the summer. Over time, heat degrades DEF and that's one more problem I don't need.

No. Top off whenever you want. Your vehicle's sensors will reset themselves. But as stated above, just be sure your vehicle has an overflow feature, and nothing spills. DEF is very caustic.

Just be sure you have a system in place to ensure you don't overfill and leak down the side of the truck. Or clean it quick.

I just filled my Ford using the Ford spout on a TerraCair DEF bottle. It took 2 of the 2.5 gallons, then stops. Leave the spout in, drop the bottle below the spout, excess fluid goes back into the jug, when done, remove the spout. Easy, peasy.

Top off anytime you feel like it........just like add fuel to tank

Only an issue when it runs empty :B