Remove DEF System only without Tuning?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 322
Likes: 2
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
Remove DEF System only without Tuning?
After all this time there's only a couple things about my 2012 6.7 I don't like, and one of them is the DEF system. I like the lack of smoke, and I REALLY like my warranty, but I don't like the acrid DEF exhaust smell and I don't like the amount of DEF fluid I'm going through.
So, does anyone out there make a kit to remove the DEF system but leave the truck otherwise untouched? I'd like to keep the DPF and not have to tune the truck, just eliminate the DEF and smell diesel fumes again.
I'm guessing this is a long shot given the amount of computer control of every aspect of the truck, but figured I'd ask anyway...
So, does anyone out there make a kit to remove the DEF system but leave the truck otherwise untouched? I'd like to keep the DPF and not have to tune the truck, just eliminate the DEF and smell diesel fumes again.
I'm guessing this is a long shot given the amount of computer control of every aspect of the truck, but figured I'd ask anyway...
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 322
Likes: 2
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
I just read on another site that it might be possible to run only distilled water in the DEF tank rather than DEF. No more DEF to buy and hopefully no more acrid ammonia smell. There was no detail or follow up on it though, so I'm not sure it's even possible or what the risks would be and figured this was the best place to ask.
I can't see how the truck's computer would know the difference and I can't see how it would negatively affect the exhaust, in fact, it seems just crazy enough to work lol.
Anyone tried this? Thoughts?
I can't see how the truck's computer would know the difference and I can't see how it would negatively affect the exhaust, in fact, it seems just crazy enough to work lol.
Anyone tried this? Thoughts?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 84
There is a contaminated exhaust fluid alert programmed into the computer.
I don’t know how the computer determines a contamination but it’s a risk.
I don’t know how the computer determines a contamination but it’s a risk.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,544
Likes: 43
I know the smell you are talking about. I don't think I would risk putting anything but def into the tank. I have heard of people getting a "contamination" message too.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,155
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From: Idaho
It easy to tell
I just read on another site that it might be possible to run only distilled water in the DEF tank rather than DEF. No more DEF to buy and hopefully no more acrid ammonia smell. There was no detail or follow up on it though, so I'm not sure it's even possible or what the risks would be and figured this was the best place to ask.
I can't see how the truck's computer would know the difference and I can't see how it would negatively affect the exhaust, in fact, it seems just crazy enough to work lol.
Anyone tried this? Thoughts?
I can't see how the truck's computer would know the difference and I can't see how it would negatively affect the exhaust, in fact, it seems just crazy enough to work lol.
Anyone tried this? Thoughts?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 322
Likes: 2
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
I've got 11,000 kms (~7000 miles) on the truck and I've completely filled the tank once, topped it up again, and I'm getting a less than 1/2 full message already. It's not like it's that expensive, but it does add up, it's more the annoyance of it and the smell that I don't like.
As for the smell, I notice it all the time, but especially when idling and hooking/unhooking trailers. Maybe it doesn't bother most people, but there's something about it that just really gets me, I'd WAY rather smell diesel fumes than the acrid ammonia smell.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 463
Likes: 1
From: San Marcos, TX
Urea is probably an electrolyte. If so then distilled water would show the DEF tank to be empty as it would not conduct very well. It would probably go into the limp mode even though the DEF tank was full of water.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 63,212
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From: Great Falls, Montana
Figures lol. Thanks for the info.
I've got 11,000 kms (~7000 miles) on the truck and I've completely filled the tank once, topped it up again, and I'm getting a less than 1/2 full message already. It's not like it's that expensive, but it does add up, it's more the annoyance of it and the smell that I don't like.
As for the smell, I notice it all the time, but especially when idling and hooking/unhooking trailers. Maybe it doesn't bother most people, but there's something about it that just really gets me, I'd WAY rather smell diesel fumes than the acrid ammonia smell.
I've got 11,000 kms (~7000 miles) on the truck and I've completely filled the tank once, topped it up again, and I'm getting a less than 1/2 full message already. It's not like it's that expensive, but it does add up, it's more the annoyance of it and the smell that I don't like.
As for the smell, I notice it all the time, but especially when idling and hooking/unhooking trailers. Maybe it doesn't bother most people, but there's something about it that just really gets me, I'd WAY rather smell diesel fumes than the acrid ammonia smell.
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