How to Clean a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Tank Thoroughly?
2 Answers
Soaking in hot water followed by detergent cleaning can effectively clean a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank. Additional information: 1. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF): DEF is an essential product for heavy-duty diesel vehicles to meet China IV emission standards. It refers to an aqueous urea solution with a urea concentration of 32.5% and ultra-pure water as the solvent, using specialized DEF raw materials and ultra-pure water. 2. Usage Instructions: Since the SCR catalyst substrate is highly susceptible to metal ion poisoning which would deactivate its catalytic function, DEF solutions must use Grade 1 ultra-pure water from the electronics industry. DEF solutions begin freezing at -11°C and completely solidify at -20°C in practical use. Suitable for diesel-engine vehicles complying with China IV emission standards, including cars, trucks, coaches, and buses.
Cleaning the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) tank actually requires proper techniques. Having driven heavy trucks on long-distance routes for over a decade, I often use this method: First, completely drain any remaining DEF liquid from the tank. Choose a well-ventilated area for the operation to avoid splashing on yourself. Then rinse the tank with purified water three to four times—this is particularly important as tap water can leave impurities that may clog the nozzles. If there's heavy crystallization, I add a small amount of mild detergent and let it soak for half an hour before scrubbing the interior walls with a soft cloth. After cleaning, ensure the tank is thoroughly dried; I usually leave it in a shaded area for over 24 hours to prevent moisture-induced crystallization. Cleaning the tank more frequently after each use helps avoid future hassles. Regular cleaning also extends the life of the SCR system and reduces repair costs—I perform this routine maintenance periodically and rarely encounter issues. A key point is to avoid using hard tools for scraping, as they can easily scratch the tank material.
