AdBlue is frequently misunderstood as a fuel additive when, in fact, it is an exhaust fluid that should never be mixed with diesel. AdBlue has its own tank and is kept separate from the fuel in your vehicle.
Putting AdBlue in your diesel fuel tank might cost you thousands of pounds. AdBlue is easily recognizable by a blue nozzle and a blue fill cap to avoid confusion and assist prevent this.
However, human mistake is possible, and it is critical to act swiftly if a motorist accidentally adds AdBlue to the fuel tank.
When you start the engine, the fluid will circulate throughout the whole fuel system. Because AdBlue is incompatible with all engine materials, it can swiftly corrode all engine components including pipes. The complete fuel system will need to be replaced if this happens.
You must immediately contact a professional to drain the tank and remove all tainted fluid. To remove all of the fuel from the tank, they’ll employ a siphon system. Before refueling with diesel, the tank must be washed with warm water after it is empty.
Even if you are certain that no AdBlue remains in the fuel tank, you should still have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for any harm. They can also be used to replace the AdBlue-absorbing filters.
When purchasing an AdBlue fuel pump, you have two alternatives for preventing misfueling.
To begin, all of the equipment is brilliant blue in color, making it easy to spot. The blue nozzle serves as a visual reminder to everyone to fill the blue fill cap with AdBlue. Second, and more typically in newer fleets, a magnetic nozzle can be installed on the AdBlue pump. When the magnetic nozzle detects the magnetic fill point on your vehicle, it permits you to add fuel.
What to do
If you realize you’ve made a mistake while filling your tank, don’t start your car. Several litres of AdBlue can be contaminated by a single drop of Diesel. You risk causing major harm to your vehicle’s SCR system if you start with an AdBlue tank full of Diesel.
If you start your car, it will start acting weirdly. To avoid causing extra damage to your vehicle, pull over as soon as feasible.
Call a professional
Contact a mechanic or a repairman as soon as you realize you’ve filled the AdBlue tank incorrectly. They will know how to handle the matter, whether or not you have started your vehicle: draining and cleaning the AdBlue tank, and replacing any necessary parts.
Does AdBlue float on diesel?
Did you put AdBlue in your diesel tank by accident? Don’t worry, you’re not the first one to think of this. As the number of vehicles using AdBlue has grown, so has the number of drivers putting AdBlue in diesel tanks.
But don’t worry; I’ve found the perfect solution for you. Here’s everything you need to know about AdBlue, including what to do if you put it in your diesel tank by accident.
The automobile industry has come to the conclusion that they must save the environment and find a solution to the filthy diesel cars. The issue is that diesel cars are known for spouting harmful gases such as nitrous oxide, which is extremely hazardous.
So, what was the answer? It was to inject a trace amount of urea into diesel exhaust, reportedly causing a chemical reaction that transforms nitrous oxide to nitrogen and water vapour.
This synthetic urea was mixed with deionized water and given the name “AdBlue” as a result.
This method is present in newer diesel cars with SCR, even if it is not generally available yet (selective catalytic reduction)
If you have a car that was registered after 2015, it’s likely that it employs AdBlue to reduce emissions. AdBlue technology is used in most Euro 6-Diesel compatible BMW, Audi, Land Rover, Jaguar, Citroen, Peugeot, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The car’s model typically has a hint written alongside it, such as ‘SRC’ or ‘Blue.’
To minimize confusion, Adblue tanks have a blue fill cap, while diesel tanks have green, red, or black fill caps. The diesel and Adblue fill caps are usually separated by a large distance on larger cars. Unfortunately, these safeguards are insufficient, and if AdBlue is mistakenly poured into your fuel tank, serious consequences can result.
Because the nozzle on the AdBlue fill cap is significantly smaller than the nozzle on the diesel fill cap, you could mistakenly pour diesel into it. The reverse, on the other hand, is extremely common.
It’s similar to pouring water into your vehicle’s diesel tank because it’s largely made up of ionized water. Because water and diesel don’t mix, what happens if you try to start a diesel automobile on water? It isn’t going to begin!
Furthermore, urea is known to be extremely corrosive to the seals and pipes of the fuel system. Crystallization is also a problem, which can clog fuel filters and injectors.
This can result in thousands of dollars in damage, as well as the inability to use your car until it has been entirely drained and fixed.
In the unfortunate event that you mistakenly spilled AdBlue into a diesel tank, do not start the car because this will disseminate the fluid throughout the fuel system. Many materials and metals, such as steel, brass, zinc, aluminum, and cast iron, are incompatible with AdBlue and will corrode the components and piping.
It is strongly advised that you seek the assistance of a fuel professional to safely remove AdBlue from your vehicle’s diesel tank without causing additional damage. The fuel tank will need to be drained to flush out the fuel filter and lines, allowing compatible fuel to return to the vehicle’s fuel tank and your car to run normally again.
You may need to change the gasoline filter once the entire operation is completed in some cases. All of this will be far too complex for the average Joe, therefore you need hire a reputable professional. It may be more expensive, but it is far preferable to destroying your automobile and having to purchase a new one.
It’s not uncommon for AdBlue to become mixed up, but don’t worry; it can be fixed.
AdBlue is a relatively recent idea that is gaining popularity as a result of its benefits. It’s nothing unusual to mix diesel and AdBlue. The safest strategy is to take proper precautions while introducing AdBlue, but even if you make a mistake, it is completely recoverable.
Can I put diesel in an AdBlue container?
To minimize confusion, many vehicles have a blue fill cap for the AdBlueTM tank and a black, red, or green fill cap for the diesel tank, and the AdBlueTM and diesel fill ports on many HGVs are located relatively far apart. However, this isn’t foolproof, and putting AdBlueTM in the diesel tank by accident can have disastrous results.
In general, it’s unlikely that you’ll mistakenly put diesel in your AdBlueTM tank because the AdBlueTM fill point is intended for a smaller spout nozzle (19mm), making bigger diameter diesel spouts impossible to fit. The reverse, on the other hand, has become a widespread issue.
If a motorist accidentally adds AdBlueTM to the diesel tank, it might result in significant damage. Because AdBlueTM is incompatible with many materials, it can damage the fuel system’s pipework and components. This can result in thousands of pounds in damage, not to mention the loss of use of the vehicle until the tank is drained, the system is cleansed, and all repairs are completed.
Is AdBlue made from pigs urine?
Is AdBlue created from the pee of pigs? AdBlue is a highly pure synthetic urea and demineralized water solution, not pig urine. While urea is present in pig urine, it is present in considerably lower concentrations than many other components.
How does AdBlue work in a diesel engine?
AdBlue is a chemical that is added to your exhaust and reacts with the gases that your vehicle creates. It breaks down the harmful nitrogen oxide gas (NOx gas) produced by your engine into harmless nitrogen and water vapour.
NOx emissions contribute to the creation of particulate matter, smog, acid rain, and ground-level ozone, as well as causing respiratory difficulties.
Vehicles must meet tight exhaust emission restrictions, and the most recent standard, Euro 6, is particularly demanding in terms of NOx limitations.
Most cars can only meet the Euro 6 criteria if they have SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology installed (SCR). AdBlue is used in this technique to break down and reduce hazardous pollutants.
Can AdBlue damage injectors?
AdBlue pollution in your fuel system can cause crystallisation, resulting in poor performance or outright damage. AdBlue changes to a milky substance as it travels through the fuel system and mixes with the diesel, causing significant damage to elements that require continual lubrication. After minutes of mixing, the adblue will start to crystalize.
As a result, high-pressure components such as high-pressure fuel pumps, injectors, fuel lines, and fuel tanks can become clogged and damaged, perhaps causing your engine to fail totally. A manufacturer’s standard procedure for resolving such a major problem would be to replace all tainted components. Damage to the entire fuel system is possible.
Can I use water instead of AdBlue?
AdBlue is a regulatory requirement for vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction technology and can be found in trucks, buses, cars, vans, boats, excavators, and tractors, among other things. With over 23,000 reported breakdowns due to inadvertent misuse or a lack of knowledge of AdBlue’s use each year, it’s critical to understand why we need AdBlue and how we can utilize it effectively.
What is the purpose of AdBlue?
To meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 pollution requirements, any diesel vehicle equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology requires AdBlue. AdBlue is a reducing chemical used in the SCR system to convert dangerous Nitrous Oxide into harmless Nitrogen and Water, resulting in less pollution.
How do I know if my vehicle needs AdBlue?
AdBlue should only be used in diesel vehicles equipped with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. It’s worth looking for an AdBlue filler cap next to the petrol filler, in the trunk, or under the hood of your vehicle.
You can use the model name to see if your vehicle needs AdBlue. The letters ‘SCR’ or ‘Blue’ may appear on the vehicle’s model, suggesting the requirement for AdBlue. The more recent a diesel vehicle is, the more probable it is to require AdBlue. If in doubt, consult the vehicle owner’s manual or ask the dealer where you purchased the vehicle.
What should I know about using AdBlue?
Using water instead of AdBlue – In a nutshell, you must not use water in place of AdBlue or dilute it in any way. AdBlue is made up of 67.5 percent de-ionized water and urea. Tap water, on the other hand, includes a high concentration of minerals and ions that can affect the car exhaust treatment system.
AdBlue is widely misunderstood as a fuel additive, however it is actually an exhaust fluid that should never be mixed with diesel. Putting AdBlue in your fuel tank can harm your tank, pump, and injection system for thousands of pounds. AdBlue is easily recognizable by its blue nozzle and blue fill cap, which helps to prevent this.
It’s critical not to start your engine if you unintentionally add AdBlue to your gasoline tank. In the worst-case situation, this could result in your vehicle being written off. Before you can replenish your fuel tank, you’ll need to drain it and carefully dispose of the contents. The best thing you can do is call your local garage or your breakdown company.
Running out of AdBlue – If you run out of AdBlue, your engine will not be damaged; most engines will automatically reduce engine performance when AdBlue supplies are depleted. Some vehicles may even be configured to wait till there is AdBlue in the tank before starting the engine.
Most new vehicles will come equipped with a driver information system that will alert you if you’re low on AdBlue. Although the absence of AdBlue will not hurt your vehicle directly. It’s important to remember, though, that not utilizing AdBlue in a car with an SCR system is illegal.
Contamination of AdBlue – Dust, dirt, oil, grease, and other contaminants can easily contaminate AdBlue. When refueling your vehicle from an AdBlue tank, it’s critical to make sure the fuel is pure. As a result, if you spill AdBlue, you won’t be able to use it again.
Where can I purchase AdBlue?
Although AdBlue is generally available at our Service Station Sites, it is important double-checking that they have it in stock before making a special trip. Our Evanton Skiach Service Station also sells AdBlue right at the pump.
AdBlue can be picked up in 5L, 10L, and 20L containers from certain of our depots.
Selected depots can also provide 205L Drums and 1,000L IBCs for commercial and agricultural applications.
Can I pee in AdBlue?
Is AdBlue, then, comprised of urine? Not in the least! AdBlue is made up of 67.5 percent demineralized water and 32.5 percent urea, according to the rumor. Urea, on the other hand, is not strictly speaking urine, but one of its constituents.
Furthermore, no human or animal urine is utilized to make AdBlue’s urea. Instead, it’s made by combining ammonia and natural gas in a chemical reaction. As a result, if your vehicle breaks down, keep in mind that you won’t be able to produce your own AdBlue.
Can I pee in AdBlue tank?
A local dealer paid Consumer Reports $317 to add 7.5 gallons of AdBlue in its Mercedes-Benz GL320 test car, with the fluid costing $32/gallon. Most dealers buy AdBlue in bulk (albeit 7.5 gallons in half-gallon bottles would only cost $116.25).
What if the motorist is in the middle of nowhere, miles away from the nearest dealer? Is it possible for him or her to supply some temporary urea in order to get the car to a dealer? The question arises due to the presence of 2 to 4% urea in human urine.
Unfortunately, the answer is “no.” Your pee is not the correct substance for a modern clean diesel automobile to recognize.
Can I pee in my DEF tank?
Because urine is not made of diesel exhaust fluid, urinating in your SCR system will result in you having to pay a lot of money to clean and replace engine components once they’ve been contaminated. Following the deductive premise that urine contains urea and so urine + water = DEF is 100 percent incorrect and will result in a slew of costly mechanical issues. In either urea or water, the urea contained at urine is neither in the proper concentration for DEF, nor is it of sufficient purity. To summarize, urine and DEF equals Never. REMEMBER NOT TO PEE IN YOUR DEFENSE TANK!