Handling and Storing Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) (Final Tier 4/Stage IV)

CAUTION: DEF contains urea. Do not get the substance in eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Do not take internally. In event DEF is ingested, contact a physician immediately. Reference Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for additional information.

NOTE: Spilled DEF, if left to dry or if only wiped away with a cloth, will leave a white residue. Aside from cosmetic issues, an improperly cleaned DEF spill may interfere with diagnosis of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system leakage problems.

DEF is not harmful to handle, but over time can be corrosive to certain materials such as carbon steels, iron, zinc, nickel, copper, aluminum and magnesium. Only use suitable containers to transport and store DEF. Containers made of polyethylene or polypropylene are recommended.

Avoid prolonged contact with skin. In case of contact, wash immediately with soap and water. If not washed immediately, upon drying spilled DEF will leave a while film on skin which can be difficult to wash off.

IMPORTANT: Use only distilled water to rinse components that will be used to store or deliver DEF. Tap water can contaminate DEF. If distilled water is not available for washing and rinsing, rinse with tap water, then carefully rinse with DEF.

If an unapproved fluid, such as diesel fuel or engine coolant is added to vehicle DEF tank, contact your John Deere dealer to determine how to clean and purge system. If water has been added to DEF tank, drain tank, flush with distilled water and refill with new or known good DEF. After completing tank refill, check DEF concentration. See Testing DEF in this section.

NOTE: If a large volume of DEF is found to be out of specification, contact DEF supplier to return product. Do not dump large quantities of DEF onto ground or send to waste water treatment facilities.

Always comply with local regulations regarding proper disposal of DEF. While there is little issue with minor spillage of DEF on the ground, large amounts of DEF should be contained. If large spills occur, contact local environmental authorities for assistance with clean up.

IMPORTANT: Storage information provided is for reference and is to be used as a guideline only. DEF shelf life is determined by many factors, but storage temperature and duration of storage are major determining factors.

Store DEF inside and out of extreme ambient temperatures, if possible. Freezing occurs in winter months. DEF freezes at -11°C (12°F). DEF may be used upon thawing. Exposure to extreme heat can degrade the quality of DEF over time.

DEF containers should be sealed between uses to prevent evaporation and contamination.

DEF has a limited shelf life, whether in storage containers or in vehicle DEF tank. Ideal conditions for maintaining DEF quality are:

• Storage temperature range: -5 and 25°C (23 and 77°F)
• Store in sealed containers to avoid contaminations
• Avoid direct sunlight

Under these conditions, minimum expected DEF shelf life is 18 months. Storage at higher temperatures will reduce shelf life by approximately 6 months for every 5°C (9°F) temperature above 25°C (77°F). If unsure how long – or under what conditions - DEF has been stored, test DEF urea concentration as described in Testing DEF in this section.

IMPORTANT: To assist in preventing DEF from deteriorating during storage in vehicle’s DEF tank, plug tank’s vent to reduce tank’s exposure to atmosphere.

Long term storage in vehicle (over 6 months) is not recommended. If long term storage is necessary, periodic testing of DEF is recommended to ensure that urea concentration does not fall out of specification. See Testing DEF in this section.