Hi Scotty,
We have a 2019 Lexus RX350 F-Sport, all wheel drive, with approximately 55k miles.
The vehicle has been awesome. However, when the car had approximately 50k miles on it, someone accidentally pumped about 5 gallons of DEF fluid into the fuel tank. Realizing the mistake, the car was cranked momentarily just long enough to move it about 75 feet because it was blocking the pumps. Then it was quickly turned off and never started again until serviced. We had it towed to a Lexus dealership. They tried to flush the tank, hoping the car would be ok, but it wasn't. Eventually, they had to drop the gas tank to physically clean the tank and flush out the fuel lines, filters, and both fuel pumps, etc. They worked for 2 days, saying it was like glitter. Eventually, they were able to clear the system and drive it with no error codes.
Since then, we have driven 5k miles with no issues.
Should we still be concerned? Can you please advise us on the possible failure of the fuel system or additional impacts? Would you trust it?
Thank you very much.
We enjoy your YouTube channel very much.
Dorothy
Hi Scotty,
We have a 2019 Lexus RX350 F-Sport, all wheel drive, with approximately 55k miles.
The vehicle has been awesome. However, when the car had approximately 50k miles on it, someone accidentally pumped about 5 gallons of DEF fluid into the fuel tank. Realizing the mistake, the car was cranked momentarily just long enough to move it about 75 feet because it was blocking the pumps. Then it was quickly turned off and never started again until serviced. We had it towed to a Lexus dealership. They tried to flush the tank, hoping the car would be ok, but it wasn't. Eventually, they had to drop the gas tank to physically clean the tank and flush out the fuel lines, filters, and both fuel pumps, etc. They worked for 2 days, saying it was like glitter. Eventually, they were able to clear the system and drive it with no error codes.
Since then, we have driven 5k miles with no issues.
Should we still be concerned? Can you please advise us on the possible failure of the fuel system or additional impacts? Would you trust it?Thank you very much.
We enjoy your YouTube channel very much.
Dorothy
Providing you did indeed completely purge the fuel system of anymore DEF, you should be fine. DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) contains ammonia, which is highly corrosive to almost anything made of metal. Providing you got to it quickly, you should be OK. I used to work at a metal plating company, and they used ammonia in 275 gallon totes that were made of plastic.
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) contains ammonia
Not exactly.
DEF is a 32.5% solution of urea, which is actually neither acid or basic, and safe to handle. When it is injected into the hot exhaust gas stream, the urea thermally decomposes to form ammonia.
However, urea does react with some metals.
possible failure of the fuel system or additional impacts?
time will tell. But given that it was addressed quickly I think effects will be minimal.
Thanks.