I did it, DEF in the fuel tank

[1retired06]

Got our truck back. I put DEF in the fuel tank. Stupid costly mistake. Turned the engine on, ran just long enough for me to see DEF warning was still on. Fuel tank and lines had to be flushed, and entire fuel system from tank forward had to be replaced including rails, injector pump, fuel pump, injectors, sensors, everything. Today, I bought a $15 locking fuel cap.

[Rondo]

Even though it can be a pain in the a_s, the DEF fill is under the hood on the GMC and Chevy's. Can't put it in the fuel tank from there. Wondered why they had put it there but was told the heat coming off the motor keep it warmer during the cold weather and it's a short trip from the filler spout to the tank which is just under the passenger seat area outside of the truck.

[bigskyjimmy]

OMG it messed things up that Bad??? Holy Molly ,That would break the Bank for sure sorry that happened,good move on the locking Fuel Cap If I owned a Ford I would put one on Too...YIKES

[Chip]

Did you do this at a truck stop? I can see that happening.

[1retired06]

I did it in a campground, at dusk, Sevierville while talking to a neighbor. No excuse, my fault. I posted not long ago, about great service I got from Good Sam Emergency Road Service. That was my truck going to the Ford dealer. Not only that, I had to find a local storage spot for the Montana, Find somebody to get it there, then rent a car to get back to NC. On the way back to TN to pick up the truck and Montana, I hit a deer, so the wife's car is scheduled for body work. On top of that, while at the clock shop in Gatlinburg, she found a several hundred dollar clock she wanted and how could I say no, after what my mistake was going to cost us. All in all, a very expensive trip to Sevierville TN.

[Dmcgrew]

I have always thought GM putting the DEF filler under the hood was not a smart location. I have now changed my opinion!! I guess I have to admit there may be a few engineers that do use the product they build, or at least consider the down sides to convenience.

[rames14]

Mike, sorry to hear about your issue. Did insurance kick in or did you check it out?

[1retired06]

Did not run by the insurance folks. My mistake, my bill.

[DQDick]

Sorry to hear about your problems. Didn't think that type of mistake would be that costly. Now I'm sure a new truck is not in my future. Understand about the clock, been there and done that. Just happy we full time now and those type of things can't fit in the rig let alone in the budget.

[ranch560]

quote:Originally posted by Dmcgrew

I have always thought GM putting the DEF filler under the hood was not a smart location. I have now changed my opinion!! I guess I have to admit there may be a few engineers that do use the product they build, or at least consider the down sides to convenience.

I still think it is a stupid idea to put the filler under the Hood!!!!

[Razrbk]

Sorry, 1retired06. Wishing you a quick rebound!

[chris199]

Gmc was my first diesel. Found Def spout under hood...whatever. Saw a Dodge ( I think) at Autozone...putting green DEF the fuel door. Hated that design...just a matter of time before putting Def in fuel.

Similar issue with fuel...sometimes diesel pump handles are green...sometimes yellow.

Too easily distracted...just a mistake waiting to happen.

[twindman]

Yep, I too messed up with diesel. In Iowa, one brand of gas has yellow handles for premium gas instead of diesel. Fortunately I just needed about 8-10 gallons. Gas floats, so I was able to drive a ways until it got bounced around and then it was barely running. Let it sit for a couple of hours and it started up again and drove 2 miles to Chevy dealer. $200 later all was good. They drained the tank and then added this stuff (a lubricant I think) and then some diesel. I think I drove it for 3 or 4 more years with no problem. I guess I was lucky.

[waynemoore]

I have a 2015 Ford F350 and the DEF is right beside the fuel. accident waiting to happen. Also agree with the color of the pump handles. Another stuped thing.

[mlh]

Mike I will be darned if I would replace the HPFP until I knew it was bad. I doubt it is bad. The fuel would have had to get to the pump through the lines and the filters and then had time to damage that pump, that $8000 pump. I would unhook the intake line and run some fuel through it with plenty of Diesel fuel additive in it, 3 or 4 more than needed. Then I would hook it the fuel line up and run the truck and check the fuel pressure. Mine at idle runs about 5000 to 5100 pounds. I don't know what yours should be but I would think it should be somewhere in ther ballpark. You can change that pump anytime.
Lynwood

[jcurtis934]

We all are capable of doing things we shouldn't. I have a lock on my fuel door so someone else can't do water trick on me. DEF cap very small, fuel cap very big...small hose always in small hole. But brain farts can happen, which is why I always move real slow dealing with what's behind door #1. John

[1retired06]

quote:Originally posted by mlh

Mike I will be darned if I would replace the HPFP until I knew it was bad. I doubt it is bad. The fuel would have had to get to the pump through the lines and the filters and then had time to damage that pump, that $8000 pump. I would unhook the intake line and run some fuel through it with plenty of Diesel fuel additive in it, 3 or 4 more than needed. Then I would hook it the fuel line up and run the truck and check the fuel pressure. Mine at idle runs about 5000 to 5100 pounds. I don't know what yours should be but I would think it should be somewhere in there You can change that pump anytime.
Lynwood

Lynwood, I hear you. Unlike gas engines, don't know the mechanics of diesels. Ford has a fuel system replacement kit that includes rails injectors, manifold assemblies, pumps, etc. Cost $5500. Minus labor. To keep in my case extended warranty ford requires installation of that package. That cost included the fuel pump, broken out on my invoice at $1100 , as part of a kit buy, plus four hours labor for the pump install. Maybe that is different than the HPFP you mentioned, particularly since total cost of all parts was $6100. Based on your post did a sanity check on line and HPFP pricing averaged $1500. Bottom line, I depended on the ford folks cause I am out of my element. Don't understand everything they did, but my warranty is intact and truck runs great. Did discuss with my dealer back home in NC during the repair work and they were in agreement with what the TN mechanics were doing. Also found couple of videos online re 6.7 DEF contamination in line with what both dealers told me. Wish I knew as much about diesels as you.

[mlh]

Mike all I really know is I'm a tight wad.
Lynwood

[1retired06]

I am a tightwad now too because I am broke!!!

[RKassl]

Have had two diesels one chevy and the new one is gmc, I never realized that other brads put the def in locations other than the engine compartment. OMG