(Newswire.net — March 9, 2023) —
If you own a diesel engine, you know how important it is to use DEF fluid for optimal performance. But with so many brands and types of DEF fluid on the market, it can be hard to decide which is best for your vehicle. Fortunately, Matanuska Diesel owner Mack Spurlock has years of experience in this field and knows exactly what DEF fluid works best for different diesel engines.
Recently, we sat down with Spurlock to discuss the advantages of using DEF fluid, his expertise in helping customers find the right type for their engine, and some tips for extending the life of diesel engines. Here’s what he had to say:
What is DEF Fluid, and Why is it Important for Diesel Engines?
“DEF is a mixture of deionized water, carbon dioxide, and urea that helps reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines. It is essential for diesel engines because it helps meet federal emissions standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and reduces pollutants that can damage the environment and human health,” Mack says. “Using DEF fluid also helps improve the performance and fuel economy of your diesel engine, making it more efficient.”
Can You Explain How DEF Fluid is Implemented in Diesel Engines?
“Sure, DEF fluid is injected into the hot exhaust gas stream through a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. The chemical reaction between the urea and exhaust gases reduces harmful nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water vapor. The SCR system requires precise chemical makeup of DEF to operate efficiently, and any changes to the DEF mixture can damage the SCR system, leading to costly repairs and potential downtime.”
Mack adds, “Ok, enough of all of that shop talk; let me explain it in simpler terms. DEF fluid helps reduce emissions and promotes cleaner air, while also improving the performance of your diesel engine. It’s an essential component for ensuring your engine runs smoothly and efficiently.”
What are the Pros and Cons of Using a DEF Truck?
“The primary advantage of using a DEF truck is that it helps reduce harmful emissions, meet federal emissions standards, and preserve your engine. It also provides better fuel economy, increased horsepower, fewer regeneration issues, and environmental benefits. However, there are some cons to using a DEF truck, such as maintenance and repair issues with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), which are prone to clogging.”
Mack adds, “Again, let me explain this in simpler terms. A DEF truck is a smart investment for diesel engine owners because it helps keep your engine running efficiently and will save you money in the long run. However, there are some drawbacks to using a DEF truck that you need to be aware of.”
How Often Do You Need to Refill the DEF Tank?
“The frequency of DEF refills will depend on your engine and tank size. A general rule of thumb is that you’ll need one gallon of DEF for every 200 gallons of fuel. Most vehicles will give you ample warning before the DEF runs out, giving you plenty of time to refill the tank.”
Mack added, “Now of course, that’s just a rule of thumb and your mileage may vary. If you’re unsure, be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how often to refill your DEF tank.”
What Happens If You Run Out of DEF Fluid?
“If you run out of DEF, most systems won’t allow you to start the engine. However, modern diesel vehicles will give you ample warning before the DEF runs out, giving you plenty of time to refill the tank. If you ignore the warnings and run out of DEF, your engine will stop running, leaving you stranded on the side of the road.”
“I recently had a customer who ignored the warnings and ran out of DEF. Luckily, I was able to get him up and running again,” Mack adds, “but it cost him a lot of money in repairs that could have been avoided if he had just taken the time to refill his tank when the warning came on.”
Can DEF Harm Your Engine?
“No, DEF fluid will not harm your engine. In fact, DEF fluid is essential for ensuring your engine continues to run smoothly and efficiently.”
Spurlock reiterated, “DEF fluid is actually a beneficial component for your diesel engine. It helps reduce harmful emissions, meets federal emissions standards, and preserves your engine. So if you own a diesel vehicle, be sure to use DEF fluid regularly.”
Where Can You Buy DEF Fluid?
“You can purchase DEF fluid at most fueling and gas stations, auto parts stores, and larger big box stores. Alternatively, you can purchase high-quality, cost-effective DEF fluid from a trusted wholesale supplier,” says Mack.
“We are fortunate to have a great relationship with a few Alaska suppliers, who provide us with the highest quality DEF fluid at competitive prices. They also deliver it right to our door, which saves us time and money,” adds Spurlock.
What Happens If You Accidentally Dispense Diesel Fuel into DEF?
“If you accidentally dispense diesel fuel into the DEF tank, don’t panic, and do not start the engine under any circumstances. If the engine is started for even a short time, diesel fuel will ruin the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst, which is very costly to replace and will be out of warranty. The best thing to do is to drain the tank with the vehicle in its original position.”
“Here’s a funny story,” Mack adds. “I once had a customer who had difficulty seeing. Ok, maybe that’s not funny, but he accidentally put diesel fuel in the DEF tank without realizing it. Thankfully, we were able to drain the tank before any damage was done.”
Mack and Spurlock want to remind everyone that DEF fluid is essential for keeping your diesel engine running efficiently and meeting federal emissions standards. It also has many environmental benefits as well.
However, it’s crucial to ensure your DEF tank is always full and use only high-quality DEF fluid from a trusted supplier. So if you own a diesel vehicle, be sure to keep your DEF fluid topped up!
If you have any questions about DEF fluid or need help with your diesel engine and are in the Wasilla, Alaska area, visit Mack and Matanuska Diesel. They offer a wide range of services and can help you with all your diesel engine needs. Give them a call today!