Testing Diesel Exhaust Fluid
WARNING:
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) contains urea. Do not get the substance in your eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Do not swallow. In the event the DEF is ingested, contact a physician immediately. Reference the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for additional information.
- Remove the DEF fill pipe from the tank.
- Visually inspect the fluid for sign of contamination or debris.
- Collect a sample of diesel exhaust fluid from the system.
- Test the quality of the DEF using the DEF/UREA Refractometer 16-5025 available through Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE).
Temperature (Constant) °C Temperature (Constant) °F Estimated Product Life 0° 32° Indefinite 10° 50° 75 years 20° 68° 11 years 30° 86° 23 months 35° 95° 10 months 40° 104° 4 months 50° 122° 1 months 60° 140° 1 week - The DEF should register approximately 32.5 percent using a refractometer.
- If the DEF is not within specifications then the tank needs to be drained and cleaned and refilled with a minimum of 2.5 gallons good DEF.NOTE:
The use of latex gloves is mandatory to prevent false readings with the oil/hydrocarbon detection paper.
- To test for hydrocarbons in the DEF tank use hydroscopic test paper (PSE part number. 223-44-863). The test strip must come in contact with the DEF fluid in the tank in order to get a valid reading for hydrocarbons present in tank.
- Remove the oil/hydrocarbon detection paper from packing, inspect for color consistency. If color is not consistent replace strip.
- Disconnect the DEF fill pipe from tank and try to get a sample or remove the DEF tank. Refer to TANK, DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
- Place the detection paper directly into the DEF fluid in the tank. If the light blue paper turns dark blue, oil or hydrocarbon contamination exist.