Can you drive a diesel without DEF?

If you ignore the DEF warning the truck will cease to work. Some diesel engine manufacturers allow the engine to go into reduced power mode so the truck can “limp home” or limit the number of times you can turn the engine over. At some point though the diesel engine will not start.

Can you run a diesel without DEF?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires vehicle manufacturers to put measures in place to ensure that vehicles cannot run without Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

Can you bypass DEF system?

If you're thinking of bypassing any of your diesel's emission controls, remember that that it's highly illegal and the fines can be steep. The chances of getting caught may be low, but the consequences are costly.

Can you drive without DEF fuel?

All told, DEF is just as important to your vehicle as fuel, coolant, oil and all the other fluids you regularly check and replace. Your machine will not function without DEF, and you can face serious consequences from letting the DEF tank run dry.

What happens if you don't put DEF in diesel tank?

What happens if DEF is put into the fuel tank? Typically, if DEF is introduced to the fuel tank, the truck will run poorly or even fail to start. Repairs to the fuel system can be costly.

WHAT Happens When You RUN OUT of DEF?? *Diesel Exhaust Fluid*

Can you put water in DEF tank?

The DEF will be diluted by the added water, but depending on the ratio of water to DEF, the solution may still contain enough urea to deal with the NOX via an increase in the injection rate.

What happens when you mix diesel and DEF?

Diesel fuel and water-based DEF have different densities and will not mix. If there is a small amount of DEF in your diesel tank, this is DEF contamination. Do not drive and do not start the engine. Instead, change the fuel filters immediately and your entire fuel system needs to be flushed.

What happens if you delete DEF system?

DEF Delete

Just like the DPF, the system will clear out excess soot by going into a regen cycle and using your vehicle's fuel to burn off and blow out the soot. The DEF can also reduce performance and fuel efficiency but can also cause issues with the system freezing up.

Is DEF fluid necessary?

DEF is a requirement for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with diesel engines produced after 2010. The vehicle is programmed to inject the DEF into the exhaust stream to meet emissions requirements. If the vehicle is allowed to run out of DEF, the engine performance will be reduced, and lower speeds are imposed.

Can you use water instead of DEF fluid?

Subject: RE: Anyone replace DEF with water? Water won't hurt the system but it will de-rate you pretty quick. ECM compares NOx values pre/post, if conversion is low it will start throwing codes and will eventually derate.

What happens if you dont put in DEF?

If you ignore the DEF warning the truck will cease to work. Some diesel engine manufacturers allow the engine to go into reduced power mode so the truck can “limp home” or limit the number of times you can turn the engine over. At some point though the diesel engine will not start.

Can you delete DEF on a Duramax?

A DEF Delete Service for your Cummins, Duramax, or Powerstroke diesel engine from Revolution Motors will remove this system so your truck is running at peak efficiency and performance. Trucks with the DEF delete install can improve fuel efficiency by up to 30%.

How much does it cost to delete a DEF system?

Prices and service times vary on the type and year of the unit and the extent of the delete but roughly range from about $3000 to $10,000. This cost is often either the same or less expensive than replacing the after-treatment systems upon failure.

What year did DEF fluid become mandatory?

A: Because almost all diesel-powered passenger cars and trucks built since 2010 are equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), it is readily available at most fueling stations and automotive parts retail stores. Truck stops often have a DEF pump right on the fuel island.

Why do diesels need DEF?

What is the Purpose of Diesel Exhaust Fluid? In 2010, the EPA required diesel engines to reduce their production of (NOx) nitrogen oxides. That reduction is accomplished with the additive Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). This fluid reduces NOx and air pollution.

Can you make DEF fluid?

DEF is a mixture of (typically) 2/3 deionized water and 1/3 urea. It's carefully regulated by the American Petroleum Institute. Technically, urea is derived from one of the byproducts of urine. But it's synthetically made, so no cats are ever harmed in the production of the fluid.

How often does a diesel truck need DEF?

DEF is consumed at a rate of about 2-3% relative to the amount of fuel you are using. This means between 1.2 and 2.0 gallons of DEF will be required for a vehicle with a 65-gallon gas tank. If you have a five-gallon DEF tank, DEF should be replaced every third or fourth time you fill up.

How many miles does a gallon of DEF last?

Most DEF tanks require one gallon of DEF for every 50 gallons of diesel fuel, and one gallon will generally last between 300 to 500 miles.

Should I keep my DEF tank full?

Because it's 2/3 water, it begins to turn slushy at 12 degrees Fahrenheit and will freeze solid. One thing to keep in mind is DEF will expand when frozen, so it's best not to fill containers completely full to avoid damage to them. After it has been frozen, DEF can be thawed and used with no issues.

Is it illegal to delete DEF system?

There is no way around this; it is 100% illegal to tamper with or modify the emission system on your truck in any way. It isn't a state or local law (although those exist, as well), but Federal law.

Is it good to delete DEF system?

Deleting your DEF system can help save you money. Plus, your exhaust might have a bit of a beefier growl once you're done. DPFs are completely different. Also known as diesel particulate filters, these little buggers are exhaust filters installed in-line on your exhaust system.

Is deleting a diesel worth it?

To put it bluntly, no, you should not remove the emissions equipment from any diesel pickup. Regardless of local and state testing requirements, it is a federal crime to remove any factory installed emissions equipment. Removing emissions equipment also voids the vehicle's factory warranty.

How do you ruin a diesel engine?

A diesel engine will be destroyed by coolant, fuel, and oil, which are the three main fluids that are present in a diesel. For starters, cooling liquids are used for keeping engines hot.

Can DEF ruin an engine?

DEF is corrosive and, as you are about to see, causes severe damage to the fuel system. Early symptoms include hard starting, rough idle and smoking exhaust, and a DEF-contaminated engine may not start at all. The recommend repair is to replace the entire fuel system, from tank to injectors.

How do you clean a DEF system?

Containers, funnels and other equipment that will contact or store DEF should be cleaned before use. Wash thoroughly and rinse with distilled water. If distilled water is unavailable, rinse with tap water, then rinse with DEF.