How often do you top up your DEF?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Code Red NV, Sep 3, 2016.

  1. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    We fill at the shop, by preference, but 1 time it didn't get back in time, when the last segment was lost and went from green to yellow, the truck reduced speed to 55mph, I filled it completely at most 60 miles later, and the 23 gallon tank held 20 gallons almost exactly.

    It never got empty, and according to what I have found out, this is pretty common.

    I fill it whenever I have time at the shop when it's staffed. It will go around 4200 miles on a fill with some time spent idling and if it gets down to the last quarter segment, I add some fairly soon.

    2013 DD15 455 HP 1550 TORQUE.
     
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  3. coueshunter

    coueshunter Heavy Load Member

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    I fill my def at every fuel stop. I'm usually putting in 115-135 gallons of fuel and 3.5-3.9 gallons of DEF.

    I e had 2-3 fuel stops in a row with crappy or non working def machines. Top off every stop and no worries
     
    tucker Thanks this.
  4. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    Pls explain how running out off DEF will destroy your engine.
     
  5. little cat 500

    little cat 500 Road Train Member

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  6. fireba11

    fireba11 Heavy Load Member

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    About every other fill up.
     
  7. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    I know it won't...........wanted @Diggler to explain how he come to his statement.
     
  8. Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

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    Cascadia has four little squares/indicator lights. When I get down to 3 I usually try to fill it/top it off next time I fuel.

    [​IMG]

    Don't let it get low ever.
    Especially in the winter those pumps have been known to freeze up.
    Yesterday I filled up at J in Spiceland, they had signs saying out of DEF (at pump) due to low supply. First time I've seen that.
     
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2016
    scottied67 Thanks this.
  9. Wooly Rhino

    Wooly Rhino Road Train Member

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    We all know that Pigs pee. They had to do something with all that pee. They can't just flush it into the streams as it kills fish. So they found out it burns really hot. Why not put it in a tank and make truckers burn it off as they drive down the road? one DOT employee said. The Sky is falling said another one. Women should vote said another.
     
    speedyk and scottied67 Thank this.
  10. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Keep it 3/4 full or higher and issues with clogged systems will become almost nonexistent. The more air/less liquid you allow in the DEF tank, the more you're opening yourself up to problems later.

    Especially in winter, keep near full and certainly top off when headed for sub- freezing temps/region.
     
    scottied67 Thanks this.
  11. scottied67

    scottied67 Road Train Member

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    Same thing, Cascadia has 4 green squares when it is full of DEF. Gets down to 3 squares, I put in just 5 gallons. 2-3 days later when it is back down to 3 squares I put in exactly 5 gallons again. In a rare case it got down to 2 squares, I put in 5 gallons it went up to 3 squares, next fillup I put in 5 gallons again it as showing 4 squares for a few hours then 3 and time put in 5 gallons again it was 4 squares for a couple days. I just keep it at 5 gallons, easier to figure my settlement checks next week and keep the company honest.
     
    Balakov100 Thanks this.
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