Seneca DEF Issues

[SloPoke-TC]

I have recently talked to several people who have deleted the DEF from their diesel pickup trucks. What is the thinking on this. They have said they are also getting better gas mileage.

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/diesel-large-fleets-small-fleets-and-individuals

unless you live in a state that does not inspect... but yours does.

 

[McGintys924]

Did some research and this probably falls into a gray area I would be unwilling to venture. Apparently my county in NC does not do emissions tests. That being said, it is federally illegal.

 

[SloPoke-TC]

Honestly... I talked to Ron (my buddy that is a fleet service manager for a large construction company) about the DPF and SCR systems. His response was that they require periodic maintenance and that trucks that are run daily have fewer issues than ones that are run occasionally. He was referring to some of their specialty trucks that sometimes might sit in their yard all winter until they get called out for service in the field again. His comments were relevant because he knows how much / often we get out in our Seneca and he does not consider our Seneca as a vehicle that sits idle much.

His other comments were around regular maintenance, keeping DEF from freezing in our winter climate, DPF cleaning schedules and stuff. They don't have to deal with SCR systems on their Yellow Iron, but they have a lot of trucks that are EPA compliant in Utah, Nevada and California. They have more issues with keeping SCR systems functioning because of the cold.

 

[Mbriggs1053]

We have a 2018.5 Seneca on the S2RV chassis.
Right at 10k miles with not DEF issues.
This includes on trip this past winter in 20deg temps.

 

[ETCJMac]

I picked up a def tester at northern tool for about $20. First test said def was ok. Checked 4 more times and it said bad def every time. Going to pick up a fresh jug of def and double check the tester.

 

[hammer55-JAY]

please tell us how it tests with the fresh

 

[Crossingover]

That being said, it is federally illegal.

And completely irresponsible and anti-social. The planet's atmosphere and my lungs already have enough abuse to deal with.

 

[ETCJMac]

Follow up - finally convinced myself there was nothing wrong with the def. Found Cummins Power South in Jacksonville, FL. They went over it today and said SCR is clogged with def crystals. Ordered a new one under warranty. So the initial one lasted 14k miles, and I had to cancel July 4th trip - waiting on the new part to come in.

For those interested in the def tester, I never opened the new jug of fluid. I think the key to consistent readings is to not let any air in the hose. Either keep the open end immersed in fluid or pinch the hose off tight.

 

[Robbbyr]

Have someone tried to remove the DPF filter from a Seneca? Is it worth it?

To just change it for a new one?