Broken DEF Header and possible workaround

[flyboy013]

No. You're on the right track. Was sort of answering an earlier post about the location of the control valve.

 

[Rich W.]

@Jim - Here's the Cummins QuickServe document for the fault code. It talks about the valve that's upsteam of the DEF Header.

Right - could be either and they are typically remotely located on trucks. Maybe on 2016 and later emissions system coaches as well? And of course Spartan and FL systems are different. I don’t know - learn something new every day, or at least try to. Thanks for pointing that out.

The shop that diagnosed Jim’s wanted to sell him a complete DEF header job - maybe they could have just replaced the $40 valve but there wasn’t enough money in doing it that way? Or maybe they wanted to replace both? I don’t know but the valve is prone to failure and that leads to derating (and thus potentially being stranded again with all that entails) and a new one wouldn’t be any less prone to failure, so I lean towards a manual valve or bypass.

If I were transiting the Dakotas or similar this time of year I’d want it operating as delivered (and for trucks it makes perfect sense) with both “maintenance” and “defrost” modes functional. My plan is to avoid colder climes so a manual valve doesn’t even seem necessary, and Jim’s version of the mod would do just fine. I’ve also enclosed the compartment where my tank is located so its less prone to freezing.

 

[Jim]

It's been 3 months since I made this modification, so I figured I should update the outcome. Since the modification, I have driven across Florida, through Georgia, and up into North Carolina. All with -0- issues.

I'll probably install a gate valve so that I can direct the heated coolant through the DEF Header in those few cases I might be driving in colder weather. But at this time, I have no intentions of spending a couple grand to replace the DEF header just to repair the internal broken valve.

 

[Rich W.]

It's been 3 months since I made this modification, so I figured I should update the outcome. Since the modification, I have driven across Florida, through Georgia, and up into North Carolina. All with -0- issues.

I'll probably install a gate valve so that I can direct the heated coolant through the DEF Header in those few cases I might be driving in colder weather. But at this time, I have no intentions of spending a couple grand to replace the DEF header just to repair the internal broken valve.

Good to hear. It’s always nice to see one of these situations resolved sensibly and economically. And I somehow doubt you’ll do much driving below 12°F.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Neal, I guess this means you can count Jim as a non-participant in next winter’s wonderland tour.

 

[Neal]

Neal, I guess this means you can count Jim as a non-participant in next winter’s wonderland tour.

That's a shame as you know my "frozen" RV tours book up fast. How's my marketing doing so far? Raise pant legs...

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

That's a shame as you know my "frozen" RV tours book up fast. How's my marketing doing so far? Raise pant legs...

I'm sorry to have to inform you, we won't be able to make it this winter. I signed up before mentioning it to my wife, do I need to say anything further? Move someone off the waitlist. I'm just heartbroken knowing I won't be able to show off my driving skills on ice-covered roads.

 

[sheridany]

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

I wonder how many sled dogs would I need?

 

[Neal]

I wonder how many sled dogs would I need?

You’re not handling the change of plans well. I’ll pencil you in for next year. FOMO is real.

 

[sheridany]

Be careful and read the fine print. There’s a non refundable deposit for 2025 that has to be paid to Amazon.

 

[Neal]

Let's get this train back on the tracks peeps....a little thread derailment going on heyaaaaah.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

I'm not going to mention names but we all know who the train engineer was that caused the diversion.

 

[Joe Hogan]

regarding ball valves, is this the type you have in mind? If so, might just stick one in teh tool nox.

Amazon.com

 

[Rich W.]

regarding ball valves, is this the type you have in mind? If so, might just stick one in teh tool nox.

Amazon.com

yup, but 5/8” with male barbed fittins and a couple clamps

 

[lostinfla]

First I've seen of this thread, but thank you all for this info!

 

[redbaron]

I installed the ball valve after my def head failure last summer. My failure was due to the heater valve allowing the def to overheat. Temporarily fixed on the road with vice grips. Once I got the new head installed I added the ball valve where I had placed the vice grips, as i am sure I did some damage to the hose.

 

[gburgman]

Actually it‘s compatible with 2016 and later emissions systems, but some of us 2016 coach owners are lucky enough to have a 2015 chassis, so while the DSS wont work for us, we have less reasons to need it.

https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/APTA_Presentation-Diesel-Aftertreatment-Systems.pdf

My Chassis was built in 2015 as well, I have a DSS that I built not realizing it was not needed. Well to be honest I contacted Spartan and they could not tell me what deffhead I had so I built one to be safe.

 

[Rich W.]

My Chassis was built in 2015 as well, I have a DSS that I built not realizing it was not needed. Well to be honest I contacted Spartan and they could not tell me what deffhead I had so I built one to be safe.

Sounds familiar - I bought the parts and then realized it wouldn’t work for me so I sold the stuff. But I’m only familiar with FL DEF headers.