Notices
2017 - 2022 Super Duty The 2017-2022 Ford F250, F350, F450, F550 & F600 Super Duty Pickup and Chassis Cab
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

DEF Tester

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 4, 2021 | 08:42 AM
  #1  
FishRanger's Avatar
FishRanger
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 132
From: Oklahoma
DEF Tester

I didn't know there was such a thing until I read about it on an rv forum. I always use the jug type as that is the most convenient for me but have been concerned about getting a bad jug, especially after reading about folks emptying the Wal-Mart branded jug, refilling it with water and returning it for a refund. I think Wal-Mart did something to stop that, maybe not, but I now only buy the stuff in a box which would make it obvious if it had been opened. I think the tester may be a good idea but I'm not sure which one to buy. Amazon has a bunch for all kinds of prices. Any recommendations?
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2021 | 09:09 AM
  #2  
Ltngdrvr's Avatar
Ltngdrvr
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 5
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 4,971
You know, I've never in 8 years, gotten any bad DEF, never worried about testing.

The testers are refractometers, very basic test equipment, buy one from a name brand if you really just have to have one.

As to buying jugs, from walmart or wherever, they all come with a seal, so before buying just take the cap off and make sure the seal is still intact, then it's no issue.
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2021 | 09:49 AM
  #3  
2019er's Avatar
2019er
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 767
Likes: 78
From: NC
Not something I'm going to test unless I have an issue. I just buy a jug every so often when it's down to about 1/4 tank left, then dump it in.
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2021 | 09:55 AM
  #4  
dieseldrive's Avatar
dieseldrive
Tuned
5 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 303
Likes: 35
I have a tester


Less than $30 from Amazon. You can also get multiscale refractometers that also test batteries and anti-freeze.
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2021 | 11:01 AM
  #5  
SARDiverDan's Avatar
SARDiverDan
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,885
Likes: 778
From: SoCal/Wyoming
I also have one. I purchased mine of Amazon for around 80 dollars or so. (OTC 5025 Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Refractor). I don't use a lot of DEF compared to others so I wanted to test it every now and again to see how it's holding up. The summer temps here are in the 100s but I have not noticed an excessive concentration from evaporation...yet.
 
Reply
Old May 8, 2021 | 01:12 AM
  #6  
JGORD's Avatar
JGORD
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Let's say the DEF is 95% of it's shelf life. You test it and all looks good and fill up and it goes bad mid tank and it's see dealer. Just get fresh DEF. That's checking the box code or going to a truck stop, which has been my go to.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Xsuperdutyfan
General Diesel Discussion
3
Mar 28, 2020 08:30 AM
Apocalypse
Excursion - King of SUVs
3
Jul 18, 2013 11:14 PM
WillyB
N. California Chapter
4
May 19, 2007 04:28 AM
psychlopath
General Automotive Discussion
2
Aug 11, 2005 12:00 AM
78bronco
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Jan 13, 2003 08:58 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:15 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE