Just got a 350 Lariat. Where do you folks buy your DEF? Anything to watch out for? Brands to stay away from? Thanks guys!

 

I buy the Ford brand from my dealer but most buy Blue DEF because that is the most common. It doesn't really matter. You can get it at Walmart or any station that sells diesel.

 

While traveling you can get it at truck stops at the fuel pumps.

 

I get it at walmart for the most part.


I got one 2.5 gal from the dealer so I could get the ford fill spout. I wanted the spout as it seems to seal the best and will shut off when full. Avoids the over filling.


I also prefer the jugs as that way I don't do any mistakes at the truck stops.


Since a full tank of DEF will run 5K miles for me I find it no big deal with the jugs.

 

I carry my own and only buy sealed containers. That way I know the status. I use thee Ford fill Spout. PM-27-N.

 

I buy sealed jugs from the local farm store for $9 a 2.5 gallons. But I've bought the stuff from Walmart, Flying J and assorted other places as I've traveled. It's readily available.

The truck stops sometimes need a magnet in order to use the pump. So I usually don't bother for little it would save.

I do like the Ford Spout. But not willing to pay the price that Motorcraft wants for their DEF.

 

I see that Walmart has its own brand of DEF. Comes in a really sturdy 2.5 gallon jug with a spout for around $8.50. Also API certified.

I topped of my truck this weekend with one and no issues.

 

I just bought a jug from Home Depot for the same price as Walmart, same exact stuff

 

I wheel the 55 gallon drum of the stuff over to my truck before I leave work. Does that count?

On a serious note, if in doubt, the big thing to look for is the API certification logo on the box/jug. DEF is standardized, and I haven't seen or heard off any anybody selling DEF that isn't such.
DEF also has a recommend shelf life of a year before use (if kept at 70°), so I would pass on jugs that have an inch or so of dust on them.

 

Here ya go...


I just refilled my DEF tank for the first time using the spout that came with the BLUE DEF box and had no problems. My theory on it is this; if you wait until you are below half you can get a whole box in there without it overflowing on you. Even if it does, a quick rinse will take care of it. For reference, my DEF went "Below Half" at about 2700 miles. I have also read about some folks refilling the jugs from walmart with the stuff at the pump, but for as little as we use I would rather get the sealed container.

 

Wait until you get to around 200 miles before filling. The system works better that way. There are only 3 sensors in the system.


You will get a prompt so there is plenty of time for the refill.


Using the ford fill spout will prevent overfilling and spillage.

 

What problems does "Overfilling" cause beside running down the side of the truck? Just curious, it's my first diesel and I want to avoid any self made problems.

 

DEF will freeze at 13° F. If you over fill your tank, The excess DEF will fill the filler neck of your tank. The tank is designed for the DEF to freeze and thaw when the truck is running. The filler neck will burst if the DEF in the neck freezes.

So the big issue is not over filling during cold weather. Hence he special filler nozzle that Ford provides with their bottles

 

Thanks for the explanation! I'll take this into consideration next winter.

 

The other issue is why would you spill it all over the side of the truck...would you do that with diesel fuel...heck no..that costs.