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DEF tank leak and nasty smell in sleeper

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by TravR1, Oct 13, 2018.

Page 2 of 3
  1. Oct 13, 2018 #11
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    After engine shutdown, it blows the lines clear, so freezing temps don't cause damage.

    I believe after warmup, DEF is being used even at low temps in Bluetec systems, like Detroit uses now. I can't say about others.
     
    25(2)+2, Oct 13, 2018
    25(2)+2, Oct 13, 2018
    #11
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  3. Oct 13, 2018 #12
    TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

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    I cant think of any other occurance tht would cause it and was surprised to see the leak. Its definitely the def I saw the white flakes around the liquid and I drip some on my coat and its the same smell. It smells like a cattle truck.

    I think hes worried about getting in trouble. That im not worried about. #### happens. We are on a tight schedule and dont want to be down long. We are back home in a week for home time and we can put it in the shop.
     
    TravR1, Oct 13, 2018
    TravR1, Oct 13, 2018
    #12
  4. Oct 13, 2018 #13
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    DEF is a really odd chemical. Its not compatible with a lot of materials. I would highly recommend not patching the tank if its leaking. Not only that but it is possible to chemically alter DEF just by introducing something as simple as dirt into the tank.

    TLDR: Patching a leaking DEF tank could cause huge problems in the SCR system.
     
    AModelCat, Oct 13, 2018
    AModelCat, Oct 13, 2018
    #13
  5. Oct 13, 2018 #14
    gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    Good point.
    I'd try to find the leak. But then again lately I am of the mind set if I want something fixed I will fix it myself. Until defeated. Then I pay.
     
    gokiddogo, Oct 13, 2018
    gokiddogo, Oct 13, 2018
    #14
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  7. Oct 13, 2018 #15
    loudtom

    loudtom Road Train Member

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    If it works, it shouldn't be an issue. If it doesn't work and you get the poor quality DEF code, you're still replacing the same part to fix the problem. I don't think it would plug up the doser or pump if it's being leached at a molecular level.
     
    loudtom, Oct 13, 2018
    loudtom, Oct 13, 2018
    #15
  8. Oct 13, 2018 #16
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Maybe pothole didn't cause the problem; could be coincidence.
    If there's no damage from the pothole, keep the DEF tank full and write up the leak to CYA.
     
    Chinatown, Oct 13, 2018
    Chinatown, Oct 13, 2018
    #16
    bottomdumpin and TravR1 Thank this.
  9. Oct 13, 2018 #17
    TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

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    No visible damage anywhere. I didn't hear anything bottom out. I just don't know what else it could be. We saw no curb action that I know of and no debris in the road. Under the truck appears normal, but I'm not a mechanic. Theres just a dripping leak it looks like its coming from up in it. About drip every 2 seconds. Codriver says it will leak a lot more while we are driving.
     
    TravR1, Oct 13, 2018
    TravR1, Oct 13, 2018
    #17
  10. Oct 13, 2018 #18
    Herccano51

    Herccano51 Bobtail Member

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    If def is caustic why is it harmless
     
    Herccano51, Oct 13, 2018
    Herccano51, Oct 13, 2018
    #18
  11. Oct 13, 2018 #19
    fargonaz

    fargonaz Road Train Member

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    fargonaz, Oct 13, 2018
    fargonaz, Oct 13, 2018
    #19
    TravR1 Thanks this.
  12. Oct 13, 2018 #20
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    That's trucking; DEF is harmless and the driver is caustic.
     
    Chinatown, Oct 13, 2018
    Chinatown, Oct 13, 2018
    #20
    loudtom and fargonaz Thank this.
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