Testing DEF and coolant/battery
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Testing DEF and coolant/battery
Was looking into refractometers to check coolant and batteries but was also interested in checking DEF fluid quality. Anybody know if a standard coolant/battery refractometer can be used to also test DEF? Or do I need a DEF specific instrument?
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
why even bother testing the def? Put it in and use it. when you are down to less than 200 miles to empty, refill it.
Don't buy a bunch of it and store in in moderate temps if you buy some extra.
Don't buy a bunch of it and store in in moderate temps if you buy some extra.
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Joined: Sep 2017
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There is a def tester that is like an antifreeze tester. Has 3 pucks inside. If 2 float your def concentration is right at 32.5 or ideal.
A refractormeter for def is specific and has the 32.5 % line clearly marked
Def quality is a different chemical test. It tests for impurities
A refractormeter for def is specific and has the 32.5 % line clearly marked
Def quality is a different chemical test. It tests for impurities
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2017
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Measuring DEF concentration can easily be done...but I don't understand what will be gained from the data. Presumably it will test 32.5% +/- concentration (I have no clue what is an allowable range.)
Measuring other parameters as an indication "quality" would likely take more equipment than we enthusiasts would have access.
I have a quality digital hand-held refractometer. When my SD is delivered I test some DEF as it is added to the truck for grins. But I'm thinking buying/using fresh DEF assuming it is OK is going to work just fine.
Measuring other parameters as an indication "quality" would likely take more equipment than we enthusiasts would have access.
I have a quality digital hand-held refractometer. When my SD is delivered I test some DEF as it is added to the truck for grins. But I'm thinking buying/using fresh DEF assuming it is OK is going to work just fine.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Wyoming
I have a hydrometer for my batteries. It's mainly for my trailer batteries. It worked well to confirm that I had a bad cell. I don't know if this is common to all hydrometers but mine is glass and I've had to store it away very carefully. It would be very easy to break it. I don't store it in the trailer.
If you get AGM batteries then you have no need for a hydrometer.
As far as testing the DEF goes, I have to say it is refreshing to find someone more OCD than I am.
There are coolant test strips that you can buy from Acustrip. I think the owner's manual will tell you the specific version to buy.
If you get AGM batteries then you have no need for a hydrometer.
As far as testing the DEF goes, I have to say it is refreshing to find someone more OCD than I am.
There are coolant test strips that you can buy from Acustrip. I think the owner's manual will tell you the specific version to buy.
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pawpaw
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
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Oct 17, 2015 11:36 PM
