DEF Crystalization Concerns

[krazymatt]

So I have a 2014 Ram CTD with DEF. So far it has 8k miles of trouble free service and I really love the truck. I am concerned regarding the crytalization of the DEF. I've noticed in the filler neck you can sometimes see crystallization residue as well as when you look at the empty bottle a day later the remnants turn to crystals. Is this going to pose a problem in the future? I use the Peak Blue DEF commonly available. Thanks....

[krazymatt]

Hiking Hunter wrote:
Krazy -
Like the others have said, crystallized spillage not a problem.

I have >20k miles on my 2013 now and have always filled the DEF from bulk at truck stops without any problems. You may want to consider that - much less expensive. The last time I filled up the DEF it was $2.69/ gal.

I know about that bud, but I live in New Mexico which is the sticks-LOL. The nearest truckstop to me is 100 miles. I was on the road last weekend and pulled up to the DEF pump in Oklahoma at a truck stop and the damn card reader wasn't working so I ended up picking up a 2.5 gallon jug at wally world on my way back.

[Hiking_Hunter]

Krazy -
Like the others have said, crystallized spillage not a problem.

I have >20k miles on my 2013 now and have always filled the DEF from bulk at truck stops without any problems. You may want to consider that - much less expensive. The last time I filled up the DEF it was $2.69/ gal.

[N-Trouble]

Keep it simple and just dump the entire 2.5gal jug in. Refilling A gallon at a time is overkill and not needed.

[krazymatt]

Thanks again guys. I'll definitely maintain it at half tank during summer. Maybe just buy a gallon at a time. Lately I've been hauling 1000 mile trips so it's been using some.

[TXiceman]

ramgunner wrote:
That's normal. It's 32.5% urea, the rest is deionized water. When it evaporates you will see the crystals.

Wash it off of anything that it spills on, but the stuff at the end of the filler opening is normal.

Not a worry.

Ken

[Randu]

N-Trouble wrote:
Any DEF that is in contact with air will quickly crystalize. It's not so much a problem once the DEF is in the tank. The life expectancy of DEF however is very dependent on temperature. The warmer it is the more quickly it goes bad. In summer months I typically only add on 2.5gal jug when it gets low. This puts fresh DEF into the system every few months.

Same with me. Randu

[N-Trouble]

Any DEF that is in contact with air will quickly crystalize. It's not so much a problem once the DEF is in the tank. The life expectancy of DEF however is very dependent on temperature. The warmer it is the more quickly it goes bad. In summer months I typically only add on 2.5gal jug when it gets low. This puts fresh DEF into the system every few months.

[krazymatt]

Ok thanks!

[agesilaus]

It's just where some had the water evaporate, won't happen inside the truck.

[ramgunner]

That's normal. It's 32.5% urea, the rest is deionized water. When it evaporates you will see the crystals.

Wash it off of anything that it spills on, but the stuff at the end of the filler opening is normal.

[RedRocket204]

Not sure what kind of problem you are concerned about... just rinse it off with water if you see the crystallization or if you spill any.

Honestly, you could probably just leave it and nothing will happen... but directions do tell you to rinse it off if you ever spill it.


I've seen the crystals near the filler location on mine and no problems to speak of after 4 years. I'm getting the feeling the warnings on DEF are to avoid frivolous lawsuits.