The webinar 15 Years of DEF: Diesel Exhaust Fluid, hosted by ConsuLab and presented by Jeff Curtis, takes a hard look back at how Diesel Exhaust Fluid has reshaped heavy-duty diesel engines since its widespread rollout around 2010—and why technicians still need to get it right to keep trucks running clean and efficient.
Relevant Training Systems
- EC-490 Exhaust Aftertreatment Cutaway — A Ford 6.7L-based cutaway trainer that clearly shows the full aftertreatment flow: turbo to DOC, SCR with DEF injector and decomposition tube, DPF, and tailpipe—ideal for visualizing how DEF integrates into the system without the full vehicle footprint. https://daktic.com/product/ec-490-exhaust-aftertreatment-cutaway (Note: Product details align with ConsuLab’s EC-490 model as promoted through DAKTIC.)
- Diesel Engine Performance Training Systems (various, e.g., Cummins ISB6.7 EPA 2013, DD15 EPA 2013, CAT C4.4 Tier 4F) — Full-bench trainers with operational EGR, DPF, SCR, and DEF injection/tank systems for hands-on diagnosis, repair, and aftertreatment study on real EPA/CARB-compliant diesel engines. Examples: https://daktic.com/product/cummins-isb6-7-trainer-epa-2013, https://daktic.com/product/diesel-engine-performance-training-system-dd15-epa-2013
The talk reflects on 15 years of real-world lessons since DEF hit the scene: a straightforward 32.5% urea solution injected into the exhaust to slash NOx emissions via the SCR system, working alongside DOC and DPF in a tightly monitored, closed aftertreatment loop that leaves no room for leaks or shortcuts. Presenters highlight early rollout pains—technicians fumbling with unfamiliar closed systems, urban myths like swapping in urine or windshield fluid—and how contamination (diesel in DEF tanks fixable, but DEF in fuel tanks catastrophic and warranty-killing) still trips people up. They stress purity testing with refractometers and hydrocarbon strips, why engine health (avoiding excessive soot from worn rings or bad oil) directly affects DPF life, and how modern systems are tougher to game as standards tighten. With DEF now standard on virtually every new heavy-duty diesel, understanding these systems prevents downtime, keeps fleets emissions-compliant, and avoids expensive comebacks—especially as some manufacturers eye fluidless alternatives down the road. Cutaway trainers like the EC-490 and full engine benches make these concepts click by letting students trace exhaust flow, spot injector placement, and practice diagnostics on the hardware that’s under every hood today.
Ready to build an industry-driven training program that equips students to handle DEF and aftertreatment systems without the headaches? Reach out to a DAKTIC representative at [email protected] to discuss tailored solutions.