DEF from gas station pump ok?

[brillmtb]

Is the DEF quality from gas station pumps good enough vs buying the 2.5 gallon jugs in a auto parts store. I think I have one where the def is 2.75/gallon which is about half the cost of some store bought jugs.

 

[kthaxton]

Yes, it is fine, they are both fine.

 

[dieselshadow]

I prefer the truck stop method myself. Why bother with a jug when you can just use a nozzle? No need to have any refuse left over and you get the perfect amount every time. And it’s fresh.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Truck Stop fine but a “Gas Station” no.

 

[SnoKing]

I just wait for the gauge to hit 1/2 tank and drop by a WM and put a 2.5 jug of Peak Blue DEF in. Puts it back at full range, and I am good for 600-800 miles towing or a couple thousand not tow. WM recycles the box for me, if I just leave it in the cart. I learn "finally" to put the nozzle in the blue hole with the nozzle on the high side of the box, NO drips that way. Have the nozzle on the low side and the quacker drips. SnoKing

 

[AH64ID]

I plan to only use nozzle DEF.

I don’t see the point in wasting my time and money with DEF in a box.

 

[TFucili]

No local source in the pump, so I will use both box and pump.

 

[HPSimpson]

I really like goimg to truck stops for my def, could never figure out the box code so stop buying the box.

 

[Wayne M.]

Either way, if you suspect anything, or just want to spot check, I suggest you throw one of these under the back seat.
https://www.otctools.com/products/otc-def-refractometer
Very easy to use. It won’t check for oil contamination (not a issue with store bought) but will check concentration (very real issue regardless of source).

 

[TFucili]

I really like goimg to truck stops for my def, could never figure out the box code so stop buying the box.

The Supertech/Wally World stuff has an actual, legible date on it. No secret decoder ring, or enigma machine required. At least what I saw locally.

 

[DavidC]

Either way, if you suspect anything, or just want to spot check, I suggest you throw one of these under the back seat.
https://www.otctools.com/products/otc-def-refractometer
Very easy to use. It won’t check for oil contamination (not a issue with store bought) but will check concentration (very real issue regardless of source).

I have been using that to check my antifreeze for years. A very handy tool.

 

[Wayne M.]

I have been using that to check my antifreeze for years. A very handy tool.

I have both. Put some DEF on your coolant one, if it’s graded for specific gravity, it should be right at 1310. That’ll be 32.5%.

 

[DavidC]

I have both. Put some DEF on your coolant one, if it’s graded for specific gravity, it should be right at 1310. That’ll be 32.5%.

Without pulling it out and looking at the paperwork to see what all it measures I know it's antifreeze and lead acid batteries. Never could bring myself to do batteries as it just does not seem right to put acid on a tool intentionally.

 

[TFucili]

Without pulling it out and looking at the paperwork to see what all it measures I know it's antifreeze and lead acid batteries. Never could bring myself to do batteries as it just does not seem right to put acid on a tool intentionally.

It's like using a pressure gauge on a calcium filled tire. Destruction is inevitable.

 

[Wayne M.]

I made this thread a while ago, just to illustrate.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/testing-def.258485/?p=2507935#post2507935

 

[Wayne M.]

Without pulling it out and looking at the paperwork to see what all it measures I know it's antifreeze and lead acid batteries. Never could bring myself to do batteries as it just does not seem right to put acid on a tool intentionally.

The idea is to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte. Just a drop on the lens, and cleaning up with quick wipe with a wet paper towel when you’re done will go far in protecting the tool, but who checks battery water any more?

 

[DavidC]

The idea is to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte. Just a drop on the lens, and cleaning up with quick wipe with a wet paper towel when you’re done will go far in protecting the tool, but who checks battery water any more?

I do all the time, check levels monthly. I have a temp adjusted battery hydrometer same as I used in the USAF to test.

 

[Steves191145]

I wait til im at about 1/4 tank def then fill it at the pump. The station 2 miles from the farm caters to large trucks and goes through a lot of diesel and def. I put about 3500 miles a month on my truck so I fill it roughly every 3 months. Hopefully santa brings me a delete kit and I wont have to do that anymore.

 

[Mark Lyons]

Is the DEF quality from gas station pumps good enough vs buying the 2.5 gallon jugs in a auto parts store. I think I have one where the def is 2.75/gallon which is about half the cost of some store bought jugs.

Until now, I've always bought from gas stations thinking that the DEF was more fresh. Over the labor day weekend, I stopped for DEF and right after got a Service DEF warning. Pulled the code when I got home and it was a reductant quality error code. I think it was P207F. Drained the DEF and refilled with new from a box (approx 2 months old based on the date code). Error code cleared and now the truck is fine.

Never getting it from a truck stop again.

 

[AH64ID]

Until now, I've always bought from gas stations thinking that the DEF was more fresh. Over the labor day weekend, I stopped for DEF and right after got a Service DEF warning. Pulled the code when I got home and it was a reductant quality error code. I think it was P207F. Drained the DEF and refilled with new from a box (approx 2 months old based on the date code). Error code cleared and now the truck is fine.

Never getting it from a truck stop again.

What year is your truck?