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What is DEF?

Discussion in 'PAM' started by Scoundrel, Oct 8, 2011.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Oct 8, 2011 #1
    Scoundrel

    Scoundrel Light Load Member

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    My co-driver and I have been issued a 2012 Cascadia with a tank for DEF fuel. We don't know what it is or how to use it. Our DM said to call RR, but I thought I'd get through here faster.

    So, what do we do with this?
     
    Scoundrel, Oct 8, 2011
    Scoundrel, Oct 8, 2011
    #1
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  3. Oct 8, 2011 #2
    Drivin_Dave

    Drivin_Dave Bobtail Member

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    I'm sure someone will give you a more informative answer, but I understand it is an emissions control additive for 2011 and newer "Clean Idle Engines".

    If you're driving one you probably don't want to run with out it. I have been seeing DEF at Pilot stations where I fuel my company tractor in 2 gallon container and I understand it will be available at the pump soon in some locations.
     
    Drivin_Dave, Oct 8, 2011
    Drivin_Dave, Oct 8, 2011
    #2
  4. Oct 8, 2011 #3
    bonder45

    bonder45 Road Train Member

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    DEF = Diesel Exhaust Fluid

    Helps "scrub" the exhaust of black smoke and emissions. Trucks are "supposed" to run cleaner than cars now a days with all this emissions technology.
     
    bonder45, Oct 8, 2011
    bonder45, Oct 8, 2011
    #3
    Truckersmooth Thanks this.
  5. Oct 8, 2011 #4
    Noggin

    Noggin Road Train Member

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    Yeah, its pee(urea) and water. Lots of truckstops are putting it in bulk. But all sell the 2.5 gallon jugs. I say just top it off whenever you are at a bulk pump, and don't let it get below 1/4 tank.
     
    Noggin, Oct 8, 2011
    Noggin, Oct 8, 2011
    #4
  7. Oct 8, 2011 #5
    tirednaz

    tirednaz Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 4, 2011
    Arizona
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    Your truck has a gauge on the dash so you can monitor the level of the DEF it will warn you when you are getting low. Every truck is a little different on how much they will use so for awhile keep an eye on it.
     
    tirednaz, Oct 8, 2011
    tirednaz, Oct 8, 2011
    #5
  8. Oct 8, 2011 #6
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    The DEF is added into the exhaust to reduce oxides of nitrogen, and reduces the need for EGR. It also allows use of a simpler non waste gated turbo in the new DD15, DD13, and DD16. I'm not familiar with other engines mechanicals that are currently being produced, other than the MaxxForce International engine which doesn't use DEF. I have heard of engines seriously derating, if the DEF isn't being added to the exhaust.

    It's supposed to restore efficiency to diesel engines that was lost due to EGR. The soot is taken out by DPFs in all current engines and back to the 2007 standard, if I remember it right. Those engines are in most trucks newer than 2007. DEF is newer than 2010.

    Loves has separate pumps, usually in one aisle, I've seen a compound pump with an extra hose for DEF at some Pilot locations.
     
    25(2)+2, Oct 8, 2011
    25(2)+2, Oct 8, 2011
    #6
  9. Oct 8, 2011 #7
    Dryver

    Dryver Road Train Member

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    OK, Here is a Mythbuster question I have heard around the truckstop.

    Why can't I just piss in the tank? The stuff we buy is only piss and water. I would like a company driver to try this method and report back with the results. It makes sense to me but what do I know.
     
    Dryver, Oct 8, 2011
    Dryver, Oct 8, 2011
    #7
  10. Oct 9, 2011 #8
    gravdigr

    gravdigr Road Train Member

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    From what I understand def, or exhaust fluid (thought my trainer was pulling my leg, like blinker fluid or left hander screwdrivers) is used to clean the diesel particulate filters on newer trucks. The dpf catches the particulate matter in the filter. Eventually the filter becomes clogged. On our 2010 cascadia it just used normal diesel in a regeneration cycle to burn out the particulate matter clogged in the filter. I was told def is just ultrapure diesel made to burn cleaner in the regeneration cycle.
     
    gravdigr, Oct 9, 2011
    gravdigr, Oct 9, 2011
    #8
  11. Oct 9, 2011 #9
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You were told wrong.
     
    25(2)+2, Oct 9, 2011
    25(2)+2, Oct 9, 2011
    #9
  12. Oct 9, 2011 #10
    Noggin

    Noggin Road Train Member

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    Apr 10, 2011
    Houston, TX
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    Even though its pee (urea), actual urine has other crap in it, plus the concentration would be way off. I wouldn't recommend pissing in your tank. Lol
     
    Noggin, Oct 9, 2011
    Noggin, Oct 9, 2011
    #10
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