DEF

[ovrszd]

Thanks for the article. I'm thinking plan to store DEF no longer than 12 months.

 

[ruffdog]

Thanks for the article. I'm thinking plan to store DEF no longer than 12 months.

....also, the metal used in the pump, fittings, nozzle, ect. may contaminate the DEF.

 

[Trillium Farm]

I remember reading somewhere that DEF shelf live is around 6 months, so I'd not store it for anything over 12 months.

 

[ovrszd]

I remember reading somewhere that DEF shelf live is around 6 months, so I'd not store it for anything over 12 months.

That's why I asked my earlier questions??? I have no idea??? I'm trying to educate myself so I don't make a grave mistake.....

 

[Citydude]

I would go to where its sold by the box and read the label concerning storage. I don't use it but see it in convience stores where Diesel is sold.

 

[tractorshopper]

I'm new to it myself, but have read about short shelf-life issues.

At the 2 truck stops near me, they have it at the big truck pumps and that is where I've topped mine off the 2 times I've used it so far in my new truck. I figure it has to be pretty fresh at a truck stop. It runs about $2.79/gallon if I remember right. They also sell the 2.5 gallon boxes in the store at those 2 truck stops. Those are like $19-20 per box or $8/gallon equivalent.

I haven't checked Walmart or anywhere else to find a better price yet. I have a hard time filling mine up from the pump because the nozzle barely fits into my filler opening and it is very very slow for me. I will try a funnel next time to make it easier and breathe better while filling or will buy some at a better price if I can find it in a box for non-highway-robbery prices.

 

[Shaneard]

DEF and off road shouldn't be used in the same sentence.

 

[number two]

The Township I work for is buying a new road grader. Will be my first experience with DEF. I'm concerned about shelf life. Grader may sit for two months at a time.

I've been told it should be stored in a heated building? Also that it should be protected from sunlight?

We use 1500-2000 gallons of diesel per year. No idea how much DEF will be required? So maybe I should start buying 2.5 gallon containers of DEF?

Thanks for any advice.

DEF usage is typically 2 1/2 or 3 % of the fuel consumed.
So maybe 3 gallons of DEF per 100 gallons of diesel.

2000 gallons per year x .03=60 gallons,about a barrel.
I sure wouldn't buy any more than that.
Comes in plastic barrels,about $150-$200 or $3-3.50/gal.

Shelf life is 2 years from production date stored correctly,that is under 80F and out of sunlight.

DEF does freeze/slush up around 12-14F.
Vehicles have a tank heater and heated lines so once the vehicle starts up,the heaters thaw the DEF so it's ready to use when needed.
DEF is used to reduce the oxides of nitrogen(NOx)which occur with high combustion temps.
So the heaters have time to liquify the DEF before the engine gets hot enough to require it.

DEF will store ok below freezing,but you won't be able to dispense it!
2 1/2 gallon jugs can be found for $9-11,or about $4/gal.
Could be the most practical way for you,keep the jug in your truck so it's not frozen when you need it.

Jugs also eliminate freshness concerns and you'll get the highest quality.
We have a statewide paving contractor that has had so many problems using bulk DEF that they're only using 2.5 gal jugs.

Hope this helps.
Good Luck!

 

[RickB]

That's why I asked my earlier questions??? I have no idea??? I'm trying to educate myself so I don't make a grave mistake.....

Stick with jugs until your usage and comfort level dictate a change. You should be able to find 2.5 gal jugs in the $9-12 range. If you go to a barrel get dedicated DEF equipment to pump it directly from the drum to the vehicle. A drum dolly is useful.

 

[ovrszd]

DEF usage is typically 2 1/2 or 3 % of the fuel consumed.
So maybe 3 gallons of DEF per 100 gallons of diesel.

2000 gallons per year x .03=60 gallons,about a barrel.
I sure wouldn't buy any more than that.
Comes in plastic barrels,about $150-$200 or $3-3.50/gal.

Shelf life is 2 years from production date stored correctly,that is under 80F and out of sunlight.

DEF does freeze/slush up around 12-14F.
Vehicles have a tank heater and heated lines so once the vehicle starts up,the heaters thaw the DEF so it's ready to use when needed.
DEF is used to reduce the oxides of nitrogen(NOx)which occur with high combustion temps.
So the heaters have time to liquify the DEF before the engine gets hot enough to require it.

DEF will store ok below freezing,but you won't be able to dispense it!
2 1/2 gallon jugs can be found for $9-11,or about $4/gal.
Could be the most practical way for you,keep the jug in your truck so it's not frozen when you need it.

Jugs also eliminate freshness concerns and you'll get the highest quality.
We have a statewide paving contractor that has had so many problems using bulk DEF that they're only using 2.5 gal jugs.

Hope this helps.
Good Luck!

Thank you very much for this response. Information that is useful. Our fuel supplier says he can sell me 2.5 gal jugs. I didn't ask the cost. I think I'll go that route until I can determine useage. I'll store the jugs in my heated shop. Thanks again!!