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May have just destroyed my TV engine :-(

TucsonJim
Explorer II
Explorer II
I made a stupid and likely very costly error this afternoon. I have a 2013 Ford 6.7 Diesel. About a week ago, I needed to top of the Diesel Exhaust fluid before a long trip. I bought a 2.5 Gallon container and poured it into the DEF port. However, there were still 3-4 cups of DEF in the container and the truck was full.

I put the remainder in the garage and took our trip. I put on about 500 miles this week, so this afternoon, I though I'd put the rest of the DEF in the truck. I have NO idea why I did it, but I opened up the diesel cap and poured the remainder of the DEF in the diesel fuel. I didn't realize what I'd done until I'd driven about 4 miles and the "Water in Fuel" light came on. It dawned on me what I'd done.

After researching many forums, in all likelihood the engine is now toast, and the cost will be somewhere around $10-12K to get it fixed. I'm sick to my stomach from the guilt this is causing. In addition, we have a big family camping outing on april the 9th that I'm likely going to have to cancel because I won't have a TV to pull the fiver to it.

I'm sick, sick, sick of the stupid error I made.
2016 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel SRW 4x4
2017 Grand Design Reflection 297RSTS
2013 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel SRW 4x4 (Destroyed by fire - 8/29/16)
2014 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS (Destroyed by fire - 8/29/16)
187 REPLIES 187

v10superduty
Explorer
Explorer
ricatic wrote:
v10superduty wrote:
ricatic wrote:
Ford will spare no expense down the road to produce or invent any possible reason to void warranty on the fuel system...

Good Luck...

Regards


No disrespect but I can't really agree with this statement..
If you try and patch it or sneak it by and they find traces on a later problem, absolutely they will deny coverage (rightfully so)

If you take it to a reputable, knowledgeable Ford dealer (they don't all qualify :W) and have them perform the repair as per the bulletin I mentioned you will have no warranty issues.
Clarify that with the dealer you end up at before you agree to do job there.


...no disrespect taken...but my experience absolutely proves what lengths Ford will take to void warranty...they voided mine even with a reputable dealership proving to Ford that their was no reason to not warranty my repair....

This is why I would be cautious about getting Ford involved until I had no other choice. If their is no evidence of DEF in the secondary filter, the DEF has not gotten into the expensive parts. If so, clean it all up and move on...you will still have the tattletale stored in the truck computer that you had a water in fuel event...Ford claims this tattletale did not exist before my debacle...but only after they offered to take my computer to Ford Engineering to see if they could indeed see this info...funny thing happened on the way to Ford...they decided it was up to me to prove there was never a light...mmmm..if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...it's usually a duck and Ford was just covering up more facts...

I know how far Ford will go to shaft a customer...been there...done that..and now drive a GM...

Good Luck to the OP...my heart breaks for him

Regards


Ric..
You don't have to explain your story to me again at all. I posted on page 1 or 2 of original thread when you had problem so I remember it well and have reread it a few times here. :W

Your problem started with an incompetent dealer and whatever happened after that between you and Ford led to your "shamefull event"

I absolutely will state that Ford does not go out of its way to decline warranty that is legit.
Your case is an anomaly and unfortunately the true reasons will never be known.

Yes... you got screwed, but its "not the norm" and I believe you really know that.
Why you, we don't know?

The OP here has already posted he has confirmation that his warranty will be intact so please back down a bit on the fear mongering.

I have read a lot ( a real lot :)) of your posts here and on FTE, you write well, very understandable, knowledgable and I enjoy most of your posts but I think deep down you know you are wrong saying Ford tries to shaft their customers. You, I guess so, but not in general.

Thanks for your time and I will have no more to say as I start the 30 hour drive home tomorrow morn.
2000 F250 V10 dragin a 2005 Titanium 29E34RL

ricatic
Explorer
Explorer
When my HPFP blew up, I was in close contact with one of the lead design engineer for the 6.7...he was devastated when Ford refused warranty...he sent me a heart wrenching email about it...and his take on fixing it as economically as possible...because my insurance had already signed off on the repair approval///I just let them arrange the repairs and paid the deductible...

His advice was to clean and thoroughly flush the entire fuel system...replace the pump and all the filters and put it back together with the original injectors...he thought that with the only real problem was a self destructed pump, remember there was no water damage, the injectors would likely be ok...if after reassembly, there were injector issues, just replace the bad ones...

I would think that Jim's insurance would cover this under comprehensive...and I would want it put back to original...

Now before the new KoolAid King jumps in with another ludicrous accusation that there was insurance skullduggery in my repairs, there was no such thing...my insurance adjuster knew the exact story, stood tall and fixed the truck...and went after Ford for reimbursement...never heard how that worked out...

Good Luck to Jim...

Regards
Ricatic
Debbie and Savannah the Wonderdachsund
2009 Big Horn 3055RL
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Dually LTX with the Gold Standard LBZ Engine and Allison Transmission
2011 F350 Lariat SRW CC SB 4WD 6.7 Diesel POS Gone Bye Bye

RVBlade
Explorer
Explorer
TucsonJim wrote:
I made a stupid and likely very costly error this afternoon. I have a 2013 Ford 6.7 Diesel. About a week ago, I needed to top of the Diesel Exhaust fluid before a long trip. I bought a 2.5 Gallon container and poured it into the DEF port. However, there were still 3-4 cups of DEF in the container and the truck was full.

I put the remainder in the garage and took our trip. I put on about 500 miles this week, so this afternoon, I though I'd put the rest of the DEF in the truck. I have NO idea why I did it, but I opened up the diesel cap and poured the remainder of the DEF in the diesel fuel. I didn't realize what I'd done until I'd driven about 4 miles and the "Water in Fuel" light came on. It dawned on me what I'd done.

After researching many forums, in all likelihood the engine is now toast, and the cost will be somewhere around $10-12K to get it fixed. I'm sick to my stomach from the guilt this is causing. In addition, we have a big family camping outing on april the 9th that I'm likely going to have to cancel because I won't have a TV to pull the fiver to it.

I'm sick, sick, sick of the stupid error I made.


Sorry this happened to you!! Mistakes are made by all, even dumb ones. Unfortunately, they all have a cost associated with them, some much more than others. Not that it does much to assuage your pain, but I am impressed with the "stand up guy" stance that you've taken with this. Unfortunately in today's times, far too many would do everything they could to avoid doing just that.

Best of luck with the repairs. I hope FORD is able to get it fixed right for you and you don't have any further troubles.
2005 Ford F350 CC Lariat DRW
2012 Sanibel 3400
DW & DS (10)
Ceaser (our 140 lb Bull Mastiff) & Sake' (our 135 lb Akita)

TucsonJim
Explorer II
Explorer II
I did confirm with the dealer that once the needed repairs are accomplished, the warranty will remain fully in effect.
2016 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel SRW 4x4
2017 Grand Design Reflection 297RSTS
2013 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel SRW 4x4 (Destroyed by fire - 8/29/16)
2014 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS (Destroyed by fire - 8/29/16)

MackinawMan
Explorer
Explorer
Good Luck Jim....we all make mistakes man....just being human.

Don't beat yourself up for it.
2000 Ford F350 XLT 7.3L PowerStroke Diesel CC 4x4 OffRoad SRW Long Bed
2008 Jayco Eagle 314BHDS (Momma Eagle)
Equalizer Hitch System (1400/14000lbs)
Prodigy Brake Controller
Curt XD Class V Receiver Hitch (1500/15000 lb)

IRingTwyce
Explorer
Explorer
DavinD wrote:
If you need any help, I can drive down from Phoenix tonight. I won't pretend to be an expert, but at least an extra pair of hands.

Rock star.

FishOnOne
Nomad
Nomad
Yeah this is a tough call. I've read over at FTE where a guy made the same mistake and he just drained the tank, replaced the fuel filters a couple of times and so far so good. Having said that his fuel system could fail tomorrow as a result.

Pouring DEF or pumping gasoline into the diesel tank happens more than you would think.

Good luck...
'12 Ford Super Duty FX4 ELD CC 6.7 PSD 400HP 800ft/lbs "270k Miles"
'16 Sprinter 319MKS "Wide Body"

DavinD
Explorer
Explorer
Best of luck, Jim. So sorry this happened.
2018 Coachman Chaparral 381RD

TV - 2013 Ford F350 Diesel SRW 4x4 Short Bed

Jim , keep your head high!!! I wish we could do something to help , like stated above , did you contact the insurance company? Maybe they can help? But then again you will pay in the long run with higher rates..... Good Luck with whatever you do.....Joe
Me-Her-the kids
2020 Ford F350 SD 6.7
2020 Redwood 3991RD Garnet

carringb
Explorer
Explorer
jerem0621 wrote:
I agree with dodge guy. Can't make it any worse can ya?

Jeremiah


Unfortunately, yes you can!

The consequential damage from the pump letting do can damage the engine too.

Just driving it is a risky gamble, and I don't think the odds are in his favor. And... he may have comprehensive coverage for the existing damage, but if he drives it to the point of additional damage, the insurance company may become suspicious of possible intentional damage. It would be their burden to prove it, so slim chance they would prevail, but it could drag out claim payment for a LONG time. I've seen them without payment over much lesser offenses (such as driving on a road posted "not maintained for winter travel").
2000 Ford E450 V10 VAN! 450,000+ miles
2014 ORV really big trailer
2015 Ford Focus ST

catfishmontana
Explorer
Explorer
I'd run it.

Edited to add.......what did your insurance company say?
2016 F350 Platinum Dually, CC
2014 Cyclone 3800 toyhauler
B&W Companion 20K

jerem0621
Explorer II
Explorer II
I agree with dodge guy. Can't make it any worse can ya?

Clean everything out you can and see what happens.

I am sorry that this happened.

I put windshield washer fluid in my coolant on a ranger once, so I 100% understand how easy it is to put the wrong fluid into the wrong place if not paying 100% attention.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
TV-2022 Silverado 2WD
TT - Zinger 270BH
WD Hitch- HaulMaster 1,000 lb Round Bar
Dual Friction bar sway control

It’s Kind of Fun to do the Impossible
~Walt Disney~

TucsonJim
Explorer II
Explorer II
It actually can cost much more. If an injector lets loose and pieces go into a cylinder, it's another $8K. Not only that, I don't want to be pulling a 14,000 pound FW up a hill and have a major break down. I need to trust it to be reliable.
2016 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel SRW 4x4
2017 Grand Design Reflection 297RSTS
2013 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel SRW 4x4 (Destroyed by fire - 8/29/16)
2014 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS (Destroyed by fire - 8/29/16)

Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Explorer
dodge guy wrote:
At this point why not just try it as is since they say it's dine anyway. It wouldn't cost anymore just to give it a try.


X2

Just change the filters, flush the tank and run it. See what it does. Like Dodge guy said it won't cost anymore.
~ Too many freaks & not enough circuses ~


"Life is not tried ~ it is merely survived ~ if you're standing
outside the fire"

"The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly."- Abraham Lincoln

dodge_guy
Explorer II
Explorer II
At this point why not just try it as is since they say it's dine anyway. It wouldn't cost anymore just to give it a try.
Wife Kim
Son Brandon 17yrs
Daughter Marissa 16yrs
Dog Bailey

12 Forest River Georgetown 350TS Hellwig sway bars, BlueOx TrueCenter stabilizer

13 Ford Explorer Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000, VIP Tow>
A bad day camping is
better than a good day at work!