2012 F250 6.7 Lariat 51,000 miles. I got a cel and took truck to the dealer. They said the reductant heater tank had to be replaced, $877. When I picked up my truck the tech said the def was bad. First time I had filled up with Supertech def from Walmart. He said only by motorcraft. Is this possible or just more BS from the dealer. I bought the truck 6 months ago with 31,000 miles on it. So far I have had to replace the radiator, and def tank NOT under warranty and rear differential seal and EGR cooler under warranty. At this rate I will have to get a part time job just for repairs. Any thoughts?

 

well, it is possible to get a bad batch (or more likely OLD), but brand doesn't matter. I bought 2.5 gallons from the dealer the day I bought my truck, but since then its been AIR 1 def, or Blue DEF, and latest was DEF at the pump from Speedway. Never had a problem with any of it.

 

I've never heard of anyone having problems with aftermarket DEF, and being the second owner you don't know what the previous owner did to it. I think it's more likely the previous owner accidentally put the wrong fluid in the DEF tank. That's happened to at least one other member on here.

 

Ask the "tech" if you can see a copy of his chemical engineering degree and how he tested the DEF to know it is bad?

Then maybe he can let you know when Motorcraft started producing their own DEF.
Motorcraft sells products that other companies manufacture.

Is All Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) the Same?

 

I've use Supertech for years. No problems. Dealer nonsense...

 

Some dealer techs are great because they take the time to learn their craft, others simply repeat things they've been told as gospel. Heard the service manager tell a coworker that he had to use Motorcraft oil in his EcoBoost truck because other oils didn't have anti-foaming additives.

Curious to hear what @ford doctor and @m-chan68 would have to say about aftermarket DEF.

 

If it was bad DEF you should have gotten a contaminated DEF warning and if I recall correctly you would have been subjected to the dreaded count down to limp mode.


The heater does go bad (had mine replaced under warrantee), that is where I would place my bet...

 

I use blue peak from Walmart. Just filled up last night. Guess it will go bad before heading home.

 

For curiosity I would like to see the test report. Dealers, on request from the manufacturer, have been known to send samples of fluids out to get tested.

Now, some places have expired DEF on the shelf which is why it's a good idea to check those dates before purchase.

I would have also asked that the tech put in his notes that goes on my receipt that ONLY Motorcraft DEF fluid can be used... That way I can be sure to send copies of that to the various DEF suppliers...

 

The date on the jug says 3/10/16.

 

Interesting.

That almost looks like an expiration date, and a date of manufacture of 9/2012.

 

You also have to store it in proper temperatures or it will go bad

 

That would match most of Walmart/Sam's club items like this that I've experienced before. Bought a set of "New" Michelin tires from Sam's club 3-4 years ago. Didn't think to check the manufacture date. Was pointed out last fall that they looked like they were cracking. Checked the dates on them at that point and found that they were approximately 2-3 years older than I thought!

Just food for thought when purchasing from Sam's/Walmart. Get what you pay for!

Dave

 

Glad to hear your EGR cooler replaced under warranty at least as my 2012 needs a new one. 62,000 km so warranty item I expect. Will know tomorrow.
All the DEF I have used has an approved seal on container. I think it is all the same.

 

Quite the opposite of Wally World where I live. They can't keep oil, DEF, etc. on the shelves through the weekend. Nevermind, 2-3 years. Super high volume and turnover. They actually do groceries at our Walmart and the fruit and veggies are fresher than the fancy grocery store down the street. Perhaps it's a regional thing.