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MexicoDiesel
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Update re Mexican Diesel Fuel
Update Regarding Diesel Fuel in Mexico - September 27, 2017
The Mexico Snowbird Season for 2017/18 is fast approaching, so here is an update regarding sulfur levels in Mexican diesel fuel and the potential for
negative impacts on late model diesels. Please note that I am not a Pemex employee, so I can not guarantee that information provided by Pemex about
the availability of ULSD is completely reliable, but lab testing of some random fuel samples, and data from diesel owners driving in Mexico, does
appear to confirm the latest Pemex information.
Several things have become abundantly clear over the 10+ years since I first began researching this topic and started collecting data from owners of a
wide range of diesel powered vehicles:
1.
All diesels up to and including the 2010 model year, irrespective of manufacturer or vehicle type, have no significant problems from the use of higher
sulfur Mexican diesel fuel (LSD). The most noticeable “symptom”, only apparent on 2007.5 through 2010 model years, MIGHT be occasional blue
smokey exhaust during regeneration cycles. (Regeneration cycles burn soot out of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) from time to time, and blue smoke
can occur when sulfur deposits are mixed with the soot). The majority of owners though will not even see blue smokey regenerations, so will be
unaware whether or not their vehicles are burning Mexican diesel.
IN SUMMARY: If you own a diesel vehicle of any model year prior to 2011 you can use Mexican diesel fuel without taking any special precautions.
2.
There is a POTENTIAL for 2011 and later diesel vehicles, the ones that use Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), to experience problems while using Mexican LSD.
(Dodge RAMs of 2013 and later model years fall into this category.
Within this group:
(a)
CLASS A MOTORHOMES:
I have never received a report of any Class A diesel pusher motorhome having any type of sulfur-in-fuel related problem. This is probably because
these vehicles are very heavy, which keeps exhaust gas temperatures elevated, discouraging sulfur compounds from settling out in the exhaust/emissions
system. In addition, their exhaust systems are relatively short, so they heat up quickly and stay hot, again discouraging the deposit of sulfur
compounds that could interfere with the functioning of the emissions system.
IN SUMMARY: Based on all of the data available at this time, Class A diesel pushers have no negative reactions to the use of Mexican LSD
(b)
SPRINTERS:
Sprinters are a very large sub-group of motorhomes that are commonly seen in Mexico. They are relatively heavy for their size, so their
exhaust/emissions systems stay hot, which discourages sulfur deposits. However, I have two verified reports of post-2010 Sprinters going in to modes
where the number of starts is being restricted, with warnings of a shutdown after those starts have been used. In both cases though the vehicles
“healed” themselves, presumably after a regeneration cycle burned soot and sulfur out of the exhaust/emissions system.
Based on discussions with the owners of those Sprinters, the evidence suggests that Sprinters will not typically have any issues using Mexican LSD
unless the vehicle is used for numerous short trips for shopping, restaurant visits, etc after reaching a winter destination. These short trips do
not fully heat the exhaust system, which allows sulfur compounds to collect in the Selective Catalytic Reducer (SCR).
IN SUMMARY: Sprinters very rarely experience serious issues with Mexican LSD, and probably only when the vehicle is used for frequent short trips that
do not fully heat the exhaust system. Owners planning to use their Sprinters for local transport once they reach their final destination should try
to carry extra ULSD and use a 50/50 mixture with Mexican LSD after reaching the final destination. A 50/50 mixture of ULSD with Mexican LSD has been
shown to cause no sulfur related issues across a wide range of vehicle types.
(c)
DODGE RAM PICKUPS:
Dodge RAM pickups have been the least likely diesel pickups to experience any issues with Mexican diesel fuel (LSD). The most frequently reported
issue has been excessive consumption of DEF in 2013 and later models as the emissions system injects more and more DEF to compensate for the sulfur
contamination of the Selective Catalytic Reducer (SCR) between regenerations.
There is, however, some uncertainty going forward because Dodge has apparently recently negotiated a settlement with the EPA over allegations of
improper reporting/monitoring of emissions. It is my understanding that Dodge has agreed to correct the “problem” by reprogramming trucks during
normal service visits to dealerships. What is not yet known is how the reprogrammed trucks will react to the presence of sulfur in the fuel, so Dodge
owners need to be aware that there is a potential for new fuel-related problems.
IN SUMMARY: Dodge RAMS have generally been symptom free while using Mexican LSD but there is a new potential for issues because of emissions
programming updates by Dodge. It may be wise for 2013 and later Dodge owners to obtain a tuner, such as the one made by Edge Products, that can force
a regeneration cycle to burn sulfur out of the system. A regeneration should then be triggered if any emissions related warnings are displayed.
(d)
FORD PICKUPS:
Ford diesels generally have not exhibited any issues while using Mexican LSD, but I have three verified cases of emissions related COMPLETE SHUT DOWNS
after the vehicles were used locally in Mexico for extended periods on Mexican LSD after arriving at a winter destination.
IN SUMMARY: Ford diesels are usually symptom free while using Mexican LSD but there is a potential for issues if the vehicle is driven on short trips
on Mexican LSD once the winter destination has been reached. It would be wise for 2011 and later Ford owners to obtain a tuner, such as the one made
by Edge Products, that can force a regeneration cycle to burn sulfur out of the system. A regeneration should then be triggered if any emissions
related warnings are displayed.
(e)
DURAMAX POWERED PICKUPS (GMC and CHEVROLET):
Duramax powered diesels are the most sensitive vehicles to sulfur in Mexican fuel. They often enter speed limitation modes, and can end up in limp
mode (5mph) if special precautions are not taken. (Almost as if Duramax is OVER-reporting emissions compared to other diesels). Owners of 2011 and
later Duramax diesels should contact me at whitetmp@aol.com if they are planning to travel in to Mexico so that I can make them aware of special
precautions that need to be taken. Unfortunately, as of the time of writing, I have not become aware of any tuners available at the retail level that
can trigger regenerations on Duramax diesels.
3.
HERE IS THE LATEST INFORMATION REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF ULSD IN MEXICO:
(a)
It is NOT POSSIBLE to determine whether fuel is ULSD or LSD by looking at it or sniffing it. The ONLY way to make a reliable determination is with a
laboratory test. I have personally collected and run lab tests on samples of fuel from Mexico so I know this is true. If someone says he or she can
identify the fuel type without a lab test you need to be skeptical.
(b)
The Mexican Government has set the end of 2018 as the cutoff date for Pemex to supply ULSD at every station in Mexico. If Pemex can not upgrade it's
own refineries by then, it has to export the fuel produced by those refineries and import ULSD for domestic use. At this stage it appears that 3 of
Pemex's refineries have already been upgraded or the upgrades are close to completion, and more are currently being worked on. As a result of the
already completed upgrades, ULSD is becoming more readily available and there are now large areas and corridors where ULSD is standard.
NOTE: It is commonly the case that a station will be pumping ULSD without the knowledge of the attendants, and there will not be any label to indicate
that the fuel is ULSD (UBA). Do NOT trust any claims by station attendants that they have, or have not, got ULSD (UBA) at the pumps unless they can
show you the fuel manifest– they typically have NO IDEA where their fuel originates.
(c)
A contact at Pemex recently sent me a copy of the official Pemex list of stations already carrying ULSD. The list is arranged by state and then city
or town within the state. I can provide that list to owners of vehicles which may be sensitive to sulfur in the fuel, specifically Duramax owners.
(d)
There is reliable evidence that there is presently ULSD at every Pemex in the Northern Baja, down to and including Jesus Maria, about 38 kms north of
the border with the Southern Baja. In additon, all stations in the Yucatan are listed as having ULSD, and the main corridors running from the US
Border to Mexico City are mostly stocked with ULSD.
(e)
I have received recent reports from travellers who say they have seen Gulf and Esso stations now open in Mexico, so the marketplace is presently
undergoing a major transformation. As a result of these changes, I am convinced that Mexico will indeed fully convert to ULSD by the end of 2018.
Ted (Ed) White
whitetmp@aol.com
September 2017
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bajatrailrider
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Thank you great info. My experience only living in Baja. My hi output 96 Dodge turbo diesel gets much better power and mpgs on Mex fuel. My Mex Nissan
2014 turbo diesel same mex fuel power/and 33 mpgs freeway .Ca fuel less mpgs and power.
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barcodemarco
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Thanks for all the great info Ted. Do northern baja stations that have ULSD also offer LSD or can you assume it's all ULSD?
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Hook
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"(d)
There is reliable evidence that there is presently ULSD at every Pemex in the Northern Baja, down to and including Jesus Maria, about 38 kms north of
the border with the Southern Baja. In additon, all stations in the Yucatan are listed as having ULSD, and the main corridors running from the US
Border to Mexico City are mostly stocked with ULSD. "
What is this reliable evidence? Above this, you state that a lab test is the only way to know. Were these stations actually tested?
Will marinas be getting the ULSD? I think our marinas in northern Sonora still have LSD.
Where will all this ULSD come from?
This is a wealth of information. Thank you for collecting it and posting it.
[Edited on 9-28-2017 by Hook]
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MexicoDiesel
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Here's the latest update from Ted White regarding the availability of ULSD on the Baja.
"
On Tuesday Jan 16/17 I received the results from lab testing of a sample of diesel fuel I collected from the main Pemex station at Los Barriles, in
the Southern Baja, about one hour north of San Jose del Cabo.
I collected the sample in late November because there had been ZERO reports of sulfur-in-fuel related issues up until that point this winter season,
and my own truck, a 2016 GMC Sierra Duramax had also not experienced any sulfur-in-fuel related symptoms. In past years, by the end of November, I
would have needed to force at least 2 regenerations to burn sulfur out of the emissions system, and there would have been lots of sulfur-in-fuel
problems in Cabo, La Paz, La Ventana, Mulege, and Loreto.
Five weeks have passed while I have been waiting for the lab results, because the sample had to be transported to a lab in the USA. During these five
weeks of waiting there have still been NO instances of sulfur-in-fuel related issues reported to me in the Southern Baja, and my own truck has not
required a single forced regen since my arrival at the end of October.
The anecdotal evidence has been suggesting that the fuel in the Southern Baja is now ULSD, and now the lab test has confirmed it. The sample tested at
6.3ppm, which is significantly lower than the 15ppm required to meet ULSD specifications.
I have tried to get official confirmation that the desulfuring upgrade to the refinery supplying this area has been completed but nobody at Pemex will
confirm or deny that the upgrade has been done. However, the very low levels of sulfur mean that the fuel came from a very modern desulfuring
facility.
At this point I feel confident that there is enough evidence to declare that the diesel fuel in the Southern Baja is now ULSD.
In other words, all of the diesel fuel on the Baja, from top to bottom, is presently ULSD. There are no guarantees in life, but it appears that Pemex
has completed the conversion from LSD to ULSD in this area.
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David K
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Have the signs at the stations been altered to reflect UBA (Ulta Bajo Azufre) change? In the southern state of Baja California Sur, they were 'Bajo
Azufre' before, not 'Ultra Bajo Azufre'.
Thank you for your work on this project!
Maybe share on other forums in the U.S and the Canada!  
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JZ
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Just had my truck down around Loreto and La Paz for about a month.
A service engine light came on just when I got back across the border. I'm 95% sure it is for excess sulfur.
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watizname
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This is indeed good news if true. I wish Pemex would verify to be sure. I guess until then I'll continue to carry an extra few gallons on my trips
down. 
I yam what I yam and that\'s all what I yam.
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karmatourer
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Thanks for your work,MexicoDiesel.
Any updates on your end?
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karmatourer
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Thanks for your work,MexicoDiesel.
Any updates on your end?
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karmatourer
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Quote: Originally posted by Hook  | "(d)
There is reliable evidence that there is presently ULSD at every Pemex in the Northern Baja, down to and including Jesus Maria, about 38 kms north of
the border with the Southern Baja. In additon, all stations in the Yucatan are listed as having ULSD, and the main corridors running from the US
Border to Mexico City are mostly stocked with ULSD. "
What is this reliable evidence? Above this, you state that a lab test is the only way to know. Were these stations actually tested?
Will marinas be getting the ULSD? I think our marinas in northern Sonora still have LSD.
Where will all this ULSD come from?
This is a wealth of information. Thank you for collecting it and posting it.
[Edited on 9-28-2017 by Hook] |
Can you help me find the location of Jesus Maria which you reference? I searched on google maps and it shows a location with no road access.In the
mountains. Thanks.
[Edited on 9-3-2018 by karmatourer]
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bajagregg
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Do a search for "Ejido Villa Jesus Maria, Baja California" It's about 25 miles north of the Baja California Sur border.
Traveling Baja for 50 years.
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David K
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These maps are in the Nomad Road Conditions Forum: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=88771
Here is the Nomad Kilometer List: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=81948
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karmatourer
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| Quote: Originally posted by bajagregg | | Do a search for "Ejido Villa Jesus Maria, Baja California" It's about 25 miles north of the Baja California Sur border. |
Thank you,found it right where you said it was! And maybe 30 miles north of Guerrero Negro.
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karmatourer
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Perfect-thank you.
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karmatourer
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I just bought a new Chevy Cruze diesel and 600 miles per tank is pretty easy,so if I'm fortunate,only 1 stop at Pemex on the way back to Cabo from the
border. Now,I need to see if the Chevy dealer down south has Dexos 2 oil or if I can find it down there.
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kevin_in_idaho
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We did a 5 week (or so) trip in our 2015 RAM diesel last year and had zero issues. We filled up at Jesus Maria, had 2 jerry cans in case full and
figured we use that if something came up and needed to dilute the non ULSD. Headed to the mainland this year for 6 weeks around Jan. and hopefully we
won't need the jerry cans!
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Hook
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Now that foreign oil companies are making significant inroads in Mexico, I hope this guy does another update in September of this year and tests any
diesel being sold by them. Many of them are supplying their stations with their own product. I have seen news stories about stations on the mainland
who are touting dispensing accurate amounts. These stations are very popular; people are avoiding the Pemex stations that were always considered
suspect.
Have any non-Pemex stations opened south of Ensenada?
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David K
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In Todos Santos and Cabo I saw other brands and posted photos in my Trip #6 report (August 2017).
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hermosok123
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Related fuel question: With the new station owners are their parent companies paying to transport their own products? That would be really
prohibitive cost wise when they only have say 10 stations from TJ to GN or less.
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