DEF storage
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,899
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DEF storage
https://www.motorcraft.com/content/d...%20Quality.pdf
I think I better move mine from the 90-95 garage to inside the house. Can't do much about what's in the truck
I think I better move mine from the 90-95 garage to inside the house. Can't do much about what's in the truck
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 4,972
I think you guys are all worrying way too much about DEF storage, unless you are hoarding the stuff.
That document is meant for the dealers and other retailers that may keep large amounts of DEF in stock for long periods of time.
In your truck, the DEF is shaded from sunlight and heat to a certain extent, and while ambient temps may exceed 86 degrees, they do not remain constantly over 86.
And, if you read the whole sheet, the truck can still consume DEF even after it has started to degrade, it just uses more to make up the difference.
Now, I don't have any issues with this because I go through DEF like it was free. I do usually keep a jug that I pumped extra at the truck stop, but that doesn't get kept more than a week or two at the most before it gets used.
That document is meant for the dealers and other retailers that may keep large amounts of DEF in stock for long periods of time.
In your truck, the DEF is shaded from sunlight and heat to a certain extent, and while ambient temps may exceed 86 degrees, they do not remain constantly over 86.
And, if you read the whole sheet, the truck can still consume DEF even after it has started to degrade, it just uses more to make up the difference.
Now, I don't have any issues with this because I go through DEF like it was free. I do usually keep a jug that I pumped extra at the truck stop, but that doesn't get kept more than a week or two at the most before it gets used.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,887
Likes: 778
From: SoCal/Wyoming
My truck sat on a SoCal lot for five months (June - October) before I bought it. Sat outside in temps as high as 115 in the summer after I bought it before I finally added some DEF. Out of curiosity, I checked the old DEF before I added the new DEF and it was right at 32% with the recommended range being 31.8 - 33.2%. I would not worry about it and I have an extra jug in the garage now.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 287
Likes: 219
It took me 5 months to need my first DEF refill so this extra bottle I bought will be sitting for a while before it's needed. I figure it's better off taking up 1 SF of unused space in an air conditioned hall closet than sitting in my 100+ degree garage.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
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From: Frederick, MD
If I have some on hand, I store in the laundry room where it is a constant 70 degrees (basement).
Otherwise I don't worry about it as I go through a tank so fast anyway.
Otherwise I don't worry about it as I go through a tank so fast anyway.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
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I had a heavy diesel mechanic tell me that as long as you keep it out of direct sunlight you'll be fine.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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But, my F250 starts bugging me to death every 60-75 miles with warnings before it gets below the halfway point, where it starts off saying 500 miles to empty.
Sure wish I could turn that garbage off.
It used to blow up the warning notifications on the Ford Pass app too, but after I complained a couple of times about that, they must have reset the app because it doesn't do that anymore.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 51
Likes: 22
I sell DEF by the case, drum and bulk here in the Midwest. We have customers who keep it outside in 330 gal totes year round. Although most of them consume it fairly quick 330 gal +or- / month, we have yet to see any problems. You are probably more likely to have issues from contaminated DEF from oil, dirt, fuel etc. than from it degrading from longer term storage or UV degradation.
If you have or see crystals floating around in solution or a seperated liquid look, by all means, do NOT use it. Get some fresh DEF. We test customer samples regularly and rarely find urea concentration less than 32%.
That's my observation from out in "the field"...
If you have or see crystals floating around in solution or a seperated liquid look, by all means, do NOT use it. Get some fresh DEF. We test customer samples regularly and rarely find urea concentration less than 32%.
That's my observation from out in "the field"...
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