DEF in fuel
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 84
Another question.
In this scenario where the fuel tank is contaminated and you follow HD’s instructions for unplugging the inertia switch to disable the fuel pumps, do we only need to drop the tank?
If the pumps never run, the lines should be free of contaminants.
That would be only procedure B steps 1-2.
I would add cleaning the filler tube, too.
I guess the safe approach when you’re possibly dealing with an $11,000 repair, clean the lines too with procedures B and C.
In this scenario where the fuel tank is contaminated and you follow HD’s instructions for unplugging the inertia switch to disable the fuel pumps, do we only need to drop the tank?
If the pumps never run, the lines should be free of contaminants.
That would be only procedure B steps 1-2.
I would add cleaning the filler tube, too.
I guess the safe approach when you’re possibly dealing with an $11,000 repair, clean the lines too with procedures B and C.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 537
Likes: 1
Thanks to you all that have replyed. I'm about sick to my gut about this,and cant grasp why such a small amount would cause such a problem. About one pint or less! Im just going to change fuel filters tonight as the warnings are gone and hope for the best. This truck seems way to sensitive to a small but stupid mistake. Should have went with a gasser ????
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
The reason this instance was so bad was because of water corroding and rusting the internals of the HPFP. The only problem urea brings to the equation is it will crystallize on the media of the fuel filters.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,676
Likes: 913
From: Milford, MI
[quote=Painted Horse;12406768]People get in a routine of Open the fuel door and take off the green cap. That is one advantage of GM putting the DEF fill some place other than by the fuel fill.=quote]
Under the hood opens up a whole new list of possable places for DEF to go. My guys at work repair Sprinter vans, and the DEF fill is under the hood. Yes, fuel system repairs are expensive but so is the whole motor. Does not take long when it gets put in the crankcase
. Will cause the engine to overheat when put in the coolant tank (eats the brass off the thermostat). So far no brain farts causing it to be dispensed into the brake reservoir........
Under the hood opens up a whole new list of possable places for DEF to go. My guys at work repair Sprinter vans, and the DEF fill is under the hood. Yes, fuel system repairs are expensive but so is the whole motor. Does not take long when it gets put in the crankcase
. Will cause the engine to overheat when put in the coolant tank (eats the brass off the thermostat). So far no brain farts causing it to be dispensed into the brake reservoir........
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 298
Likes: 3
I have a friend who has both gas and diesel trucks and runs a daily route.
After running the gas one for a week or so while having work done on the diesel he was driving the diesel one for the first time and grabbed the gas nozzle by mistake. He said something was distracting him and while looking at that he grabbed the gas by habit but figured it out after 10-15 gal went in. He just called a wrecker and got it drained.
We all make mistakes, some just because we get tired or distracted.
After running the gas one for a week or so while having work done on the diesel he was driving the diesel one for the first time and grabbed the gas nozzle by mistake. He said something was distracting him and while looking at that he grabbed the gas by habit but figured it out after 10-15 gal went in. He just called a wrecker and got it drained.
We all make mistakes, some just because we get tired or distracted.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,637
Likes: 0
From: Roll Tide, Roll
The best scenario. Would be disable the inertia switch by unhooking wire at switch. Get it towed to the house or a shop and drop tank and. Flush and clean fuel pickup intank. And as KPER05 STATED Clean filler neck. Since def is water /urea it should go staight to bottom of tank. And if you felt not sure pull fuel filter and flush then wait 2 hours to see if any crystals pop up. As long as engine never turns over you should be fine.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
The truck can be put in neutral without turning the key.
You need to go under the truck and disconnect the shift cable from the shift lever on the side of the transmission.
You can then move the lever by hand two clicks from park to the neutral position.
WARNING! BLOCK THE WHEELS OF THE TRUCK TO ENSURE THAT IT WILL NOT ROLL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS MOVED FROM PARK!!!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Well that is interesting. Good to know. Hope the thieves don't visit the FTE forum and read that, they probably cant read...english 
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
Repo 101
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
I carry 3 ****** blocks so I can pull 27,000#
I can (and do when necessary ) winch my truck back under the free rolling front wheels until the edge of the deck is at the rear wheels.
Then I pour a bit of soap on the deck and drag the rear wheels up onto it.
If I have to I can soap the rear wheels all the way up the deck when I pull one from the rear.
One way or another it's going with me.
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
Nope, urea is not NH3. Its CH4N2O. Carbon and oxygen makes all the difference.
Most of us don't pee anhydrous ammonia. If anyone does let me know. I can think of a few cool party tricks you could do.
Most of us don't pee anhydrous ammonia. If anyone does let me know. I can think of a few cool party tricks you could do.
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