Trouble filling DEF at Truck Stop?

[FatTire]

Is your f350 a cab chassis? If so who mounts the filler into flat bad is not Ford and there could be part of the issue?

You've got it. Our truck had a factory bed which we removed, but we retained the fuel and DEF fill ports and plumbing and they are remounted in approximately the same location. I recently looked under a stock F350 to examine the mounting of their DEF fill port, and I think ours is now mounted at a slightly lower angle (i.e. ours is closer to level). Most likely this is the problem or at least contributes to it. Might have to make a change to the plate where the fill ports mount.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

You've got it. Our truck had a factory bed which we removed, but we retained the fuel and DEF fill ports and plumbing and they are remounted in approximately the same location. I recently looked under a stock F350 to examine the mounting of their DEF fill port, and I think ours is now mounted at a slightly lower angle (i.e. ours is closer to level). Most likely this is the problem or at least contributes to it. Might have to make a change to the plate where the fill ports mount.

I think? ford has a body builder's book or recommendation on angle on how those should be mounted. it has been a while, but what you described is common for cab chassis builds. You try to get the bed as low as possible but it messes with fuel fill. I have gone as far as cutting into the side rails then mounting in-between two side mount tool boxes.

 

[Jim Timber]

We used to have problems with the Ryder rental trucks in our fleet getting droopy fill pipes and they'd get a load of gas stuck in purgatory between the cap and tank which made the pump think it was full and shut off immediately.

The solution was to have the driver reach under it and push up, or drive that side of the truck onto a curb.

 

[hammick]

These truck stops can be a pain in the ***. I drive West across I-90 quite a bit and lots of places make it chore to buy diesel fuel. Have to go in and give a credit card to the get the pump turned on.

When on a long trip I always have a jug of DEF in the bed. Wallyworld now has the Suptertech brand for less than $8 a jug.

I have only purchased DEF at the pump once and don't remember having an issue other than having to go in to have the pump activated.

 

[Chris611]

I had same issue at truck stop filling DEF from pump station. Went inside and they had the magnet to slip on the nozzle. Worked good after that. I planned to buy a magnet and keep it with me. Figured it was just the way the truck was. Maybe I should look to see if there is something wrong with my DEF fill as it sounds like not many others are having a problem.

 

[aeblank]

I had same issue at truck stop filling DEF from pump station. Went inside and they had the magnet to slip on the nozzle. Worked good after that. I planned to buy a magnet and keep it with me. Figured it was just the way the truck was. Maybe I should look to see if there is something wrong with my DEF fill as it sounds like not many others are having a problem.

I guess I'm not sure what you're looking for. If the pump nozzle requires a magnet, and the filler neck doesn't have a magnet, then what more is there?

 

[zing]

So I was a couple hundred miles from home when the 500 mile low DEF warning appeared on our F350. I realized I was going to pass a Pilot truck stop in about 60 miles, which would be the only place with DEF at the pump anywhere near where we live. This was the first time I've ever bought DEF at the pump. I had to go inside to have my personal credit card run, went back outside and discovered I had to buy some diesel to activate the DEF pump.

Dealt with that, but as soon as I squeezed the DEF trigger I could feel the pump was high pressure, and the automatic shut-off activated. Eventually I found I could squeeze VERY gently and get up to a 10th of a gallon before shutting off. After about 10 minutes of screwing with this I got 1.5 gallons and gave up. Later I bought 3 jugs of DEF and put those in, for a total of 4.5, which should get me at least 5000 miles.

Is this a common problem? Or something particular to this truckstop and/or my truck? I don't mind filling from jugs but I "thought" filling at the pump would be fast and convenient.

I haven't had any problems with getting bulk DEF.

 

[aeblank]

I haven't had any problems with getting bulk DEF.

I'm glad to know that. Going on a trip soon, and assuming I can get bulk DEF.
I've put 2,000mi (on my 20,000mi) truck, and haven't touched a drop or jug of DEF yet.

 

[zing]

I'm glad to know that. Going on a trip soon, and assuming I can get bulk DEF.
I've put 2,000mi (on my 20,000mi) truck, and haven't touched a drop or jug of DEF yet.

I keep a jug in the back just in case but it only needs to be filled about once per 10,000+ kms, depending on how much you tow or how hard you drive it. I just time it with my oil changes.

If you have never filled it I recommend you fill it before you leave on your long trip though, then you know you will be safe. You don't want to be driving down the road late at night in a strange area, searching for DEF.

 

[aeblank]

If you have never filled it I recommend you fill it before you leave on your long trip though, then you know you will be safe. You don't want to be driving down the road late at night in a strange area, searching for DEF.

I plan to. I'll be towing a small-ish camper, and it's from MI to Glacier. I'll be changing the oil (way early) and adding DEF. Probably just keep it topped off at truck stops that have it.