Posted by Anxious Dave [108.162.221.215] on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 17:57:11 :
A bit off topic but what’s a better place to post my celina than with you dodge gurus!!!
So. Yup. Idiot me without thinking starts the DEF pump and pours a very little amount of DEF into the diesel tank.
I mean my guess is less than a few cups worth before I realized I had the DEF pump
In the diesel fuel pump filler hole.
Damn...
At the time I figured No problem. It’ll burn off. I knew nothing of DEF and the urea and it’s corrosive properties! Until now that is...
Wish I knew what I know now about DEF in diesel fuel issues
So this happened about three days ago
I had literally JUST left the dealership where new fuel filters where installed. Having a 2015 2500 4x4 Ram, the truck has both water/fuel separator under the tank and another filter up by the engine.
Anyway. The day of this mess I got myself into.
After putting in a very small amount of DEF as stated, I started the truck up, ran down the road about 5 miles and the water in fuel light came on.
Immediately pulled over, drained the water from petcock and trucked on.
Another 5 miles, same thing. Pulled over and drained.
At this point I decided to go back to dealer.
Explained what I did.
Advise was to go fill up (I had 1/2 tank) and run it for another 50-60 miles and return where they would change both filters again.
Did that. 50 miles later back at dealer. No water in fuel light came on during that 50 miles.
Back at dealer, Changed both filters.
Tech said he seen no indicator of the DEF or any water making it to the front filter.
Thinks I’m ok. So I’m ok. Mine (and his) Thought process was the water/DEF got caught at the first filter. Being brand new filters maybe?
Anyway they told me they felt we caught in time and not to worry.
Headed home. I’m 48 miles from home. No other issues.
No water warning light comes on.
I’m feeling better
Next day I decide to open up the water drain at the separator and catch in a clear glass bottle.
There is definately water and sludge. Oh about a 1/4 cup maybe.
Oh great. I drive off and on all day, 20 mile trips., draining off the separator after a 1/2 hour sitting and find more. Each time less and less.
After about 5 trips like this and a 100 miles, I decided to check the front filter and catch its contents upon draining.
I find water and crud there too. Not nearly as much, maybe a few tablespoons? Maybe.. great. It’s closer to the engine and injectors and feeling some anxiety now.
Anyway. I go to my local garage who advise me to put in one quart of ATF. Said it will lubricate the injection pump, lines and injectors. Go fill up and drive it around.
I did so. All day yesterday. Took me about 5 hours stop and go, and long distance and put in about
250 miles total. Each time truck starts and runs fine. No surging. No hesitation.
Not one issue. No water in fuel lights came on either.
In fact the trucks actually running better and better mileage also.
I’m told the ATF helps lubricate where the current low sulpher diesel is lacking.
I never had another light for water in fuel come on during the entire 250 mile trip . I did drain and catch the contents after the 200 mile point and there is still sludge and crap.
In fact, after dropping the contents on my concrete I can see the white powder formed. It’s definatly the same crystalline crap I see on imagines on line of urea.
But still. I’ve read stories where most are catastrophic and complete fuel system change out required.
But I’ve also read a few stories where a very small amount was addressed like I did ( charge filters a few times, add ATF or even 2 cycle oil) and they avoided a complete disaster.
What these stories NEVER tell us what happens a week later. Or a month later. Or year later? Did the components fail a long ways out?
I’m hoping I’m out of the woods here. But here are questions I have that have never been answered by the techs
1- would I have had catastrophic failure by this time ? Like immediately?
What about after 250 miles driving and 3/4 tank of gas? Would I be feeling affects of this contamination by now IF it reached the high pressure pump or injectors?
2- what affects would I notice if/when the DEF Urea starts to affects the components?
Sluggish power?
No start or hard start?
Just quit and never start again?
3- what’s the long term affects if I just keep on trucking as is?
Like I said, the truck is actually running very well now after the ATF in the tank, but I’m not trying to kid myself I’m ok 100% right now.
I know there will probably always be residue from the DEF present in the tank.
I’m
Hoping I got lucky and deflected the proverbial bullet.
I’d like to hear from others willing to admit the same mistake what their experience was if their trucks continued to run
My next step is run a few more tanks of diesel thru, add
The Clear-diesel and bio-Diesel both by Power service.
Any comments other than I’m an idiot and shouldn’t own a diesel truck?!
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