First time top up of AdBlue

[PaddyM]

I’m approaching the time for a first top up ( 35% left ) , never done this before , is there a procedure to follow ? Cheers .
2023 Burstner Harmony Line .

 

[Peavy]

Quite simple, unscrew the cap, fill up till it stops, screw back, clean a bit the mess, done
My advice would be, don't wait until is empty, I do refill when it's 50%, to avoid crystallization.

 

[pjay]

If youre doing it at home from a container, I've found a funnel with a bit of hose on the end does the trick. The hose bit opens the valve as you insert it, some containers with a filler included aren't always long enough...

 

[Andy MacD]

Check to see if there’s a filling station close with an AdBlu pump, so much cleaner and easier than lifting plastic containers and generally cheaper too. You also know it’s full to the brim. I fill mine every 2k miles.

 

[LithiumConvert]

I do refill when it's 50%, to avoid crystallization.

what makes it chystalise in the vehicle - as opposed to in the shop or garage?

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[Peterd82]

Just filled our Adblue this morning, no idea how much it uses as only filled up once before and no indication how much in the tank. Went through a performance of waiting for HGV to move off, then into shop to get card authorised, then pump had an error which then cleared. All this for 2.1 litres much to the other half’s amusement !. At least I now know that it doesn’t use that much, had done 1100 miles since previous fill.

 

[Brains]

I’m approaching the time for a first top up ( 35% left ) , never done this before , is there a procedure to follow ? Cheers .
2023 Burstner Harmony Line .

AdBlue Crystallises!

Check the 'sell by' date on the jerry can before you buy it.
I've noticed a number of smaller outlets are selling it cheap as it close to the sell by date

Don't buy AdBlue from a forecourt where it's stored in direct sunlight outside.

Have a roll of kitchen towel handy!
Adblue will corrode paintwork and clothing, so wipe it off immediately !

Also depending on the filler method, hold the jerry can sideways so that it does not 'glug'

As others have said, it is better to put in 5 or 10 liters in as often as you can, rather than put 20 liters in one go.
You want to keep AdBlu above 75% if you can.

On my car the entire AdBlue tank plus all the plumbing had to be replaced, twice, (luckily under warranty), due to crystallisation.
Citroen have now disabled the automatic stop/start in heavy traffic feature in diesel cars due to the problem of AdBlue crystallisation

 

[Peavy]

what makes it chystalise in the vehicle - as opposed to in the shop or garage?

I'm no expert, but I read that crystallization occurs when it comes into contact with ambient humidity.
If you keep it as full as possible, there is less room for air and therefore less risk of this happening.
Maybe Brains knows if this is correct.

 

[ontheroadagain]

Has anyone any experience of using an additive to prevent crystallization?
Snake oil?

Ad-Protect | Wynn's UK

Prevent costly AdBlue® repairs by dissolving crystallisation, improving SCR operation, and extending the life of components.

www.wynns.uk.com

 

[Brains]

I'm no expert, but I read that crystallization occurs when it comes into contact with ambient humidity.
If you keep it as full as possible, there is less room for air and therefore less risk of this happening.
Maybe Brains knows if this is correct.

Broadly correct, yes.
(I used to be involved in shipping Urea in bulk, 30-40,000 tonnes at a time both as a wet and a dry commodity)

So keep it out of heat/sunlight and the fuller the tank (or jerry can) the less space at the top to create a microclimate where condensation can form.

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[Brains]

Has anyone any experience of using an additive to prevent crystallization?
Snake oil?

Ad-Protect | Wynn's UK

Prevent costly AdBlue® repairs by dissolving crystallisation, improving SCR operation, and extending the life of components.

www.wynns.uk.com

Maybe. It depends on how it works.

We used to fill the void space above the cargo in a ship with carbon monoxide from the engine which reduces crystallisation

In theory something that makes a layer, like soap, would work

 

[Coolcats]

I’m approaching the time for a first top up ( 35% left ) , never done this before , is there a procedure to follow ? Cheers .
2023 Burstner Harmony Line .

Open Pour and be yourself once more (Have I just infringed advertising rights?)

 

[Coolcats]

I'm no expert, but I read that crystallization occurs when it comes into contact with ambient humidity.
If you keep it as full as possible, there is less room for air and therefore less risk of this happening.
Maybe Brains knows if this is correct.

Ok im no expert but suspect that with liquid splashing and sloshing about it will just get re-absorbed and not too much of an issue in a vehicle

 

[maison]

I use one of these manual pumps. Pick up tube into the AdBlu container and the delivery tube into the filler cap. The delivery tube is narrow enough and long enough to open the valve.

Bought in Gamm Vert in France where they are used for moving wine from one container to another.

 

[A-Mech]

This is my recommendation, as no mess and you can keep refilling this bottle.
You remove dust top of bottle, screw onto adblue filler neck and then press bottle in, towards adblue filler neck. This opens simple valve and discharges into tank.

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[ontheroadagain]

One of these works perfectly.

Amazon product ASIN B07D34Q59C

 

[dash300]

On my Fiat PVC the nozzle on the 10ltr containers works fine with no spillage. Takes 10 ltrs after warning comes on with is handy. Once filled turn ignition on for a minute without starting engine. system resets and light goes out.

 

[LithiumConvert]

Do the chrytals float or sink?

 

[Otter Spotter]

I’m approaching the time for a first top up ( 35% left ) , never done this before , is there a procedure to follow ? Cheers .
2023 Burstner Harmony Line .

Take it slowly, you have to let the air out as the Adbue flows otherwise it spills back out. If it does make sure you clean it off the bodywork as it crystallises and stains.

 

[Littlewheels]

5Litre containers are a lot easier to manhandle than 10 litre obviously but it’s easy to forget this when purchasing and then you struggle with the weight and spout.

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[Brains]

Do the chrytals float or sink?

Stick to everything, like shit to a blanket.
You get a white crust, like ice around the waterline

 

[LithiumConvert]

Until I started reading this topic I thought AdBlue was a trade name for a specific make of a generic additive needed for modern diesel engines.

I am now coming to the conclusion that is not the case as I can find adblue sold with brands like Carlube, Status, Crast and Halfords to name but a few.

Some have the registered trade mark symbol AdBlue® and some do not.

Some reference an ISO standard number (ISO22241-1) and some do not.

Some say suitable for a adblue vehicle (whatever one of those is) and some do not.

So, what are the differences and which is best for 2022 Fiat Ducato?

And, the other question, any to avoid?

 

[ctc]

Wait till the system goes wrong, then comes the real expense. Mine had the level control built in to the tank. £2200 +fitting only one available in Western Europe. Garage told me I was lucky their yards were full of vehicles waiting for adblue system spares. I found another way to deal with the problem.

 

[maison]

Wait till the system goes wrong, then comes the real expense. Mine had the level control built in to the tank. £2200 +fitting only one available in Western Europe. Garage told me I was lucky their yards were full of vehicles waiting for adblue system spares. I found another way to deal with the problem.

Sounds naughty!

 

[BikerGraham]

Wait till the system goes wrong, then comes the real expense. Mine had the level control built in to the tank. £2200 +fitting only one available in Western Europe. Garage told me I was lucky their yards were full of vehicles waiting for adblue system spares. I found another way to deal with the problem.

Mercedes by any chance ?

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[Brains]

Mercedes by any chance ?

My Citroen Car was the same.

The yard full of cars awaiting replacement of all the plastic Adblue tanks and plumbing and a massive shortage of spares.
Took 3 weeks to do a 2hr job.
and then 2 months later, had to be done all over again!
Luckily all under warranty.

Apparently the Citroen dealers had Peugeot garages getting in touch to see if they had any spares, as they used the same tanks and plumbing.

 

[BikerGraham]

My Citroen Car was the same.

The yard full of cars awaiting replacement of all the plastic Adblue tanks and plumbing and a massive shortage of spares.
Took 3 weeks to do a 2hr job.
and then 2 months later, had to be done all over again!
Luckily all under warranty.

Apparently the Citroen dealers had Peugeot garages getting in touch to see if they had any spares, as they used the same tanks and plumbing.

The problem is massive and widespread among all manufacturers. Systems aren’t fit for purpose.
Then we get the ignorant who think people just don’t want to top their tank up and let it run too low. No it’s the systems failing.

 

[LithiumConvert]

Then we get the ignorant who think people just don’t want to top their tank up and let it run too low.

Not that simple!

Reading this is the first time I have become aware of the benefits of keeping the adblue tank full.

stop contemplating, just do it :

Why did you not tell me before.

 

[LithiumConvert]

Ok im no expert but suspect that with liquid splashing and sloshing about it will just get re-absorbed and not too much of an issue in a vehicle

Sounds logical to me. So I am going to give it a try.

It would still be nice to know if anyone has a preference for any particular Adblue?
Or ones to avoid?

 

[Barti Ddu]

Just top up the AdBlu tank using a dispenser on a filling station forecourt. It's as easy as filling up with diesel. No lugging containers about, no half empty containers left over, no mess, no Heath Robinson DIY funnel and garden hose contraptions required, and most likely cheaper as well.

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