snapper Posted July 27, 2012 Report Share Posted July 27, 2012 Getting a new truck with a duramax engine...don't know much about the (def). Guessmy biggest question is what happens when you run out? Is there a way around the system without voiding the warranty? Price of the stuff? Pros vs.cons? Any input would be helpful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted July 28, 2012 Report Share Posted July 28, 2012 I think it's stupid! Pain in the ass having to have to worry about filling that up, guess you'd get used to it, think you have to full it ever 8000 miles or so. Not quite sure how much it is, it used to be really expensive but I think it's came down a lot in price. All it is is cow pee, so if you have to have a leak just open the cap and let'er fly :clown: There's no way of deleting it and still having warranty. I know you can get rid of them but your warranty is out the window if you do. Have heard rumors that the new 2014 trucks will not have it not 100% sure if it's true or not. If you run out you're limited to 3mph. And the dummies didn't even put a gauge on the tank so you don't know what the level is. There's three warnings, first one is limited to 55mph, then 30 then 3 I believe... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper Posted July 30, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2012 I'm hearing 5k-5500 miles...8k would be better! As for seeing in it...read on several other forums that won't work. Not happy to find out there is no gauge...that's freaking stupid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper Posted July 30, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2012 **peeing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColeTrain45 Posted August 24, 2012 Report Share Posted August 24, 2012 it all depends on how much you tow on how long it lasts. if you tow alot it will be a shorter time frame to fill up. tank is about 5 gal and its about 20 bucks or less for 2.5 gal i think. some models will tell you if the level is ok or low. no you can't pee in it and no you can't use washer solvent and yes it will void your warranty and when it's up there are ways to eliminate it. when it's out you have so many miles at 60 55 30 and 15-20 you have more then enough time when it comes on to fill it up. i work for GM so if you have any other questions about the diesels (i'm a diesel tech) ask away or if you have any other diesel questions feel free to ask away.\ Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archerjg Posted August 24, 2012 Report Share Posted August 24, 2012 Snapper, I have a 2011 with the Urea injection and it isn't too bad. I have put 3 gallons in it in 8,000 miles. The dealer did not fill it full when I got it. I put 2 1/2 gallons in it at 3,200 miles and just added another gallon at 8,000 the other day. I do some heavy towing with it and it lasts pretty decent. This Duramax has more power than it knows what to do with even with torque management and all the electro nannies. On the highway I'm averaging 22-23 mpg running 70 and that is hand calculated, however the computer is pretty close. City I am getting about 16 mpg. I am extremely happy with it and it tows a 30ft trailer with a 200 square bale load like it isn't even there. If you have any questions I'll be happy to answer what I can. Archerjg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper Posted August 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2012 Thanks guys...so far I'm pretty happy with the truck. Wish it had a little more aggressive sound at the tail pipe...but pleased overall! Was thinking of adding a programmer...mainly for a bit better mileage and more power when pulling! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotashRLS Posted August 24, 2012 Report Share Posted August 24, 2012 We just purchased a new Ambulance and it has the def system. It is on a Ford F-450 XLT Superduty Chassis. I have been told that to date, the EPA refuses to exclude emergency vehicles from the high maintenance emissions requirements. While we keep a close eye on all vehicle maintenance and upkeep, just the thought of something causing a vehicle to crawl at 3mph, especially an emergency vehicle, shows that the environmentalists are out of touch with reality. The truck also has to do exhaust regenerations when it senses the system is getting full. When it does this, you better be parked outside because the engine screems and loads of hot black exhaust blow out the tailpipe. This can be a pain on an incident too. I guess new isn't necessarily better. It is a nice truck overall though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColeTrain45 Posted August 25, 2012 Report Share Posted August 25, 2012 We just purchased a new Ambulance and it has the def system. It is on a Ford F-450 XLT Superduty Chassis. I have been told that to date, the EPA refuses to exclude emergency vehicles from the high maintenance emissions requirements. While we keep a close eye on all vehicle maintenance and upkeep, just the thought of something causing a vehicle to crawl at 3mph, especially an emergency vehicle, shows that the environmentalists are out of touch with reality. The truck also has to do exhaust regenerations when it senses the system is getting full. When it does this, you better be parked outside because the engine screems and loads of hot black exhaust blow out the tailpipe. This can be a pain on an incident too. I guess new isn't necessarily better. It is a nice truck overall though. it won't just cut out and make you do 3 mph it warns you when your getting low. and with you guys idling alot you are going to regen alot more due the the catylyst getting plugged with particulates while at 500-600 rpm for long periods of time. municipality's always keep a close eye on there trucks so as long as it's topped off everyday nothing to worry about. and where else would you park one during a regen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotashRLS Posted August 25, 2012 Report Share Posted August 25, 2012 Well.............many stations have the inhouse exhaust systems ( I don't think you want to have a truck reg into those too much ) and others don't. With our high idle hooked into our parking brake, it will regen when it needs to, not necessarily when it is the most appropriate. That could be on scene or outside waiting for members for a call or just about any time loading a patient on scene. Just more we have to watch for and be mindful of. And yes we will have plenty of warning about the def levels but it isn't like you can just fill er up like you can with fuel. You are suppose to wear gloves and goggles due to the corrosiveness of the urea. The urea also has shelf life so you won't typically stock too much ahead. It would be nice if the EPA would take an extended vacation to China and stop crippling this nation. They should have more than enough to do over there, that is if they survive the firing squads.:surrender: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColeTrain45 Posted August 25, 2012 Report Share Posted August 25, 2012 i handle that stuff all the time at work without all that... just don't pur it on you and if it gets on you a little wash it off....i understand regen's may accur when the time isn't most sutable but there isn't much you can do about it. there is infact if your work would like to buy comp software or get a ford diagnostic tool you can manually put it into regen when it is at a better convienence. just sayin Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColeTrain45 Posted August 25, 2012 Report Share Posted August 25, 2012 and also there are systems to eliminate the dpf and programmers to override the def....if there is anyway i can help anyone here with understanding urea injection and scr/dpf cans ill help the best i can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PotashRLS Posted August 26, 2012 Report Share Posted August 26, 2012 Appreciate the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper Posted August 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2012 How often will it regen.? I don't think mine ever did...or at least never noticed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted August 26, 2012 Report Share Posted August 26, 2012 It'll usually regen when you're driving down the highway, you won't even know it's doing it. If they do clog up though it'll set a check engine light and you'll have to take it to the dealer to have them do a regen through the scan tool. Boy oh boy don't go near that tailpipe while it's doing a regen! It could roast the paint off a car 30 feet away. :jaw: And welcome to the forums Coletrain! I work for GM as a technician as well. Your input will be greatly appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColeTrain45 Posted August 26, 2012 Report Share Posted August 26, 2012 x2 on what shaun said about the regen. you will usually get a message on the dic sayin cleaning dpf don't turn engine off or something i can't remeber word for word. high periods of idiling will not only plug up the scr/dpf but will wind up clogging egr cooler. so if you have high amoumts of idiling make sure you have some highway driving to help clean it out. anyway thanks! i'm glad i found this place theres alot of good info on this forum. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted September 1, 2012 Report Share Posted September 1, 2012 How in the heck are you getting 22-23 miles per gallon? Holy ****, I'm lucky to get 17. 10.9 when towing. The urea fluid is no big deal. I always fill her up at the big truck stops....they have the pumps in the semi lanes. WAY CHEAPER than buying bottles of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColeTrain45 Posted September 5, 2012 Report Share Posted September 5, 2012 all in driving habits.. 17's aren't bad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted September 5, 2012 Report Share Posted September 5, 2012 Yep I wouldn't be complaining about 17 at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper Posted September 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2012 Welp...2,000 mile report... So far very pleased with the truck! Averaging around 18mpg...seen as high as 23.5. Only real complaint is the DEF tank! Why didn't they put a gauge on it? I'm hoping it wasn't completely full when I got the truck...came up on the screen saying I had (999 miles left)...21%. So added 2.5 gal. ($10) thinking the screen would say something like 75%??? Nope, it then said "ok"...can't see how much is in there and no gauge... so all I know is its "ok"! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted September 11, 2012 Report Share Posted September 11, 2012 Welp...2,000 mile report... So far very pleased with the truck! Averaging around 18mpg...seen as high as 23.5. Only real complaint is the DEF tank! Why didn't they put a gauge on it? I'm hoping it wasn't completely full when I got the truck...came up on the screen saying I had (999 miles left)...21%. So added 2.5 gal. ($10) thinking the screen would say something like 75%??? Nope, it then said "ok"...can't see how much is in there and no gauge... so all I know is its "ok"! I know... I have NO idea why GM didn't put a freaking gauge for DEF level. We get so many complains about that. Rumor has it they're getting rid of the DEF systems in the GM trucks in 2014, not sure if that's true or not though so don't take my word for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Kat Posted September 11, 2012 Report Share Posted September 11, 2012 Pretty sure UREA was a federal mandated thing wasn't it? Snaps.....go fill ur def tank at a truck stop in the big rig diesel lanes. U can top it off for less than 8$. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper Posted September 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2012 My guess if they (GM or anyone) can emissions down to a certain level without urea ...then they aren't. required to have it. Hey Kyle...id do that if there was one close by...when I'm on the interstate next time I will do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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