Ford Diesel Exhaust fluid

[gshase]

I got a great deal at the Ford dealer on some tires on my daughters Nissan Rogue and while walking around I saw a new F250 that had a extra fuel cap labeled Diesel Exhaust Fluid. What the heck is this? The service guy states it is basically URINE in a 5 gallon tank and the truck will not run with out it. 2011 Ford Super Duty Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tutorial - YouTube

[porsche4life]

Yup, all the new diesels are using urea to be able to pass emissions.....

[cstreit]

LOL Urea is found in urine but synthetically in large quantities for things like fertilizer... ...and apparently diesel emissions....

[fingpilot]

I have been running 2 2011 F-450's back and forth across the country for a year now. Each (with their trailers), are just under 26000 pounds. Oil changes are 5000 miles. 9 gallon DEF tank does not make it that long. Most big truck stops now have the DEF but in the early days we had to haul our own. Warning system alerts to low level. If it runs out, engine goes to 'limp' mode.

[fred cook]

That is why I am still driving my 2003 Ford 6.0 Turbo diesel. I prefer the "Keep it Simple, Stupid" or "KISS" methodology.

[Scuba Steve]

Originally Posted by fingpilot

I have been running 2 2011 F-450's back and forth across the country for a year now. Each (with their trailers), are just under 26000 pounds. Oil changes are 5000 miles. 9 gallon DEF tank does not make it that long. Most big truck stops now have the DEF but in the early days we had to haul our own. Warning system alerts to low level. If it runs out, engine goes to 'limp' mode.

Drink some coffee. You'll have more and be back on the road in about an hour.

[dlockhart]

[dlockhart]

Originally Posted by fingpilot

I have been running 2 2011 F-450's back and forth across the country for a year now. Each (with their trailers), are just under 26000 pounds. Oil changes are 5000 miles. 9 gallon DEF tank does not make it that long. Most big truck stops now have the DEF but in the early days we had to haul our own. Warning system alerts to low level. If it runs out, engine goes to 'limp' mode.

How are the 6.7s working out?
I am looking at replacing my trusty 01 7.3 soon.

[porsche4life]

The new DEF trucks are driving up the prices of the pre emissions trucks. We just sold an 06 dodge 5.9 for 6k more than we paid for it in 08. With 30k more miles on it now.

[speeder]

First of all, it isn't just Fords or just PU trucks. All new diesels have urea injection, AFAIK. BMW and Mercedes definitely have it. Second of all, other than the current cost of urea solution, they're aren't really any negatives to it. It makes the exhaust on new-generation diesels incredibly clean and does not choke performance.

The smart thing to do would be to invest in the urea, (or diesel fluid), business, either actively or as a stock holder. It is the immediate future and it's huge.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by fred cook

That is why I am still driving my 2003 Ford 6.0 Turbo diesel. I prefer the "Keep it Simple, Stupid" or "KISS" methodology.

With all due respect, an early 6.0 is about as far from a "trusty old stead" as you can get in a diesel PU truck.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by speeder

With all due respect, an early 6.0 is about as far from a "trusty old stead" as you can get in a diesel PU truck.

My dad has 150,000 on his. No problems.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

My dad has 150,000 on his. No problems.

Sometimes you get lucky.

[Seahawk]

Timely thread. I am looking for a new (and don't try and talk me out of it, I keep them forever) truck. My 2005 F150 will become the farm truck since my son has custody of the 1999 Tacoma that used to fill that role.

I want an F250/2500 class, diesel.

What is DEF and is it bad (I looked it up but would like to hear real world opinions)?

[fingpilot]

I have a fleet of Ford F's. 2001's are my oldest. Several 2005's, 2009's and the 2 2011's.

We usually plan on a turbo every 70k in the 6.0's. Some injectors every 70k. These trucks run across the country (usually I-20/I-10) from Redstone, sometimes twice a month each. West of Pecos are above 4000' MSL. Summer temps 100F+. High windage box and trailers. Usually close to non-CDL limit of 26000 pounds.

The 6.7's we have are some of the first ones. Have had two small problems, both ended up recalls because of us. Both were flexi-joints just out of the turbo. Both were hot and high sustained 25psi boosts.

Other than that the 6.7's have been flawless. Average 9.7 MPG at 70MPH pulling loads. 10.9 empty. Our 2001's will finish the summer (both have 270K+) and be sold; replaced with 2012's.

YMMV.

Paul; Don't fret the DEF. Separate tank, usually 10-ish gallons. Computer metered, and monitored. Makes a acrid smell at idle. Costs $6ish a gallon. 10 gallon tank goes 4000miles.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

I want an F250/2500 class, diesel.

What is DEF and is it bad (I looked it up but would like to hear real world opinions)?

All three diesel offerings use it (GM Duramax, Ram Cummins, Ford Powerstroke), so if you're buying a NEW 3/4 ton, you're going to have it.

It's no big deal. Just like washer fluid, when it gets low you pour more in.

You won't go too far wrong with any of the big three diesel trucks, there are plusses and minuses to all of them, depending on how you're going to be using them. Ford and Ram have a solid front axle if 4x4, where GM is independent. Other than that, it's just what you like, tit for tat. I personally prefer the GM.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by fingpilot

Paul; Don't fret the DEF. Separate tank, usually 10-ish gallons. Computer metered, and monitored. Makes a acrid smell at idle. Costs $6ish a gallon. 10 gallon tank goes 4000miles.

Thanks...that seems reasonable. My wife is riding a lot more so we're stuffing horses on trailers again. My daughter will also be home this summer so think two horses. The F150 has other jobs to do on the farm so I'm looking at a 3/4 diesel.

Are you in Huntsville? I get down there every month or so. I'll be down on the 25th of this month.

Best.

[red-beard]

That video is making me think about buying an extended warranty for the first time!

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Timely thread. I am looking for a new (and don't try and talk me out of it, I keep them forever) truck. My 2005 F150 will become the farm truck since my son has custody of the 1999 Tacoma that used to fill that role.

I want an F250/2500 class, diesel.

What is DEF and is it bad (I looked it up but would like to hear real world opinions)?

Remember, there is still a single year full assets depreciation for a truck that:

Weighs more than 6000 lbs and has a pickup bed of at least 6 feet.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Remember, there is still a single year full assets depreciation for a truck that:

Weighs more than 6000 lbs and has a pickup bed of at least 6 feet.

Just to clarify, it's a GVWR over 6,000 lbs..... not the weight of the vehicle itself