Diesel Exhaust Fluid Problems
Common Diesel Exhaust Fluid Problems
Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a liquid used to reduce the amount of air pollution that is created by diesel engines. It is technically a solution of 32.5% high purity urea and 67.5% deionized water. Proper upkeep of your DEF is crucially important for both quality control and preventing potential damage to your vehicle. We’ll go over some of the most common DEF issues as well as how to test for them.
Common DEF Problems
There are quite a few issues that can affect the quality of your diesel exhaust fluid.
- Crystallization - Crystallization can occur from too much DEF being added, called overdosing. It can also be caused by topping off the DEF system with hard water. The solution will not fully hydrolyze which causes deposits to be formed.
- Contamination - Dirt, rust or tank scale can contaminate DEF with improper storage or handling.
- Dilution - If too much water is added from topping off the DEF, it can reduce its effectiveness from the solution being diluted.
- Cold Weather - DEF can start to gel or freeze around 12ºF/-11ºC. Additives are not recommended as they can damage the SCR system or throw off the concentration of the solution.
- Miscellaneous Fluids - Diesel fuel, coolant and engine oil being added to the DEF tank can also cause issues with the SCR system and engine.
Testing for DEF Problems
You can test for some of the DEF problems listed above with some of the following methods.
- Crystallization
- Visually Inspect exhaust pipes and DEF Injectors for crystallization.
- Test DEF for minerals using XRF or ICP Spectrometry
- Confirm DEF quality on delivery or in storage from supplier.
- Submit a sample for testing using ISO 22241-1 standard.
- Contamination
- Visually inspect DEF. If it is cloudy, colored or has debris, there may be an issue.
- Insoluble Matter test. <20 ppm max.
- Many OEMS measure with ISO Particle Count and it should have a result of 18/16/13 or lower.
- Urea Concentration
- Use a handheld DEF refractometer to measure. It should be between 31.8-33.2%, the goal is 32.5%.
- Submit samples for Urea Content test.
- Other Fluids
- If DEF is contaminated with antifreeze, you should use Urea Concentration testing methods as listed above.
- If engine oil or hydraulic oil may be the issue, take a sample from the top layer of your DEF tank. They will form a separate layer in your sample.
Why Buy From Star CDJR in Abilene, TX?
Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Abilene, TX, is a dealer with an exclusive inventory and top-tier auto servicing year-round.. The team at our Finance Center can assist with the financing process or help you get easily approved for an auto loan on the spot. With dependable servicing at the Service Center, you can bring your car in at any time for routine maintenance or specialized repairs. If you have questions or need assistance with your Diesel Exhaust Fluid, please give us a call or stop by the dealership!