BajaNomad

What do I need to know about Mexican Diesel??

mgray - 1-4-2008 at 03:54 PM

So looks like the truck I'll be buying for the trip will be my first diesel. I've done some research but I'm still a little confused.

I hear about this new low sulfur diesel here in Canada (in the US too??) and what I seem to understand is that it is a cleaner fuel for the environment, but one consequence is that it doesn't lubricate as well as the older stuff?? Do I need an additve, even here in Canada/US??

What type of diesel is in Mexico, and what precautions do I need to take before I come down?

For what it's worth the truck is going to be an early-mid 90's Dodge.

Thanks

tripledigitken - 1-4-2008 at 04:28 PM

I have a 1997 powerstroke and have driven it in baja since new. Have had zero fuel problems with the mexican diesel. And at less than $2 per gal (a month ago) it's a bargain too! Have been running the ULSD with no ill effects. I have talked with several diesel mechanics (for a large fleet of diesel powered equipment and trucks) re ULSD in older engines and they are not concerned.

You will find both reg diesel and the ULSD in Baja.

I would take an extra fuel filter just in case.


Enjoy you trip.


Ken



[Edited on 1-4-2008 by tripledigitken]

CaboRon - 1-4-2008 at 06:19 PM

You might want to enter ¨Diesel¨in the google box at the bottom of this page..... there was a huge discussion on this matter a couple of months ago.

Good Luck,
CaboRon

ElFaro - 1-4-2008 at 10:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
You will find both reg diesel and the ULSD in Baja.


Ken...
Have you actually bought the ULSD in Baja? If so how is it sold? Does it have its own separate pump? How far down Baja is it sold? I ask because I read recently that Mexico WILL NOT be refining and selling ULSD for 4-5 years in Baja. This could be a problem for ULSD only newer Diesel Trk owners. They may be limited in how far south they would be able to travel. I own an '01 Dodge 2500 w/ Cummins and when I pull into the Pemex's to fill I talk to the farmers and semi haulers and they certainly have no need for the ULSD. As far as I know the only Mexican demand for ULSD would be Gringo tourist's trucks. Doesn't seem to be sufficient demand for Pemex to be selling ULSD at all their Diesel stops in Baja.

Bajafun777 - 1-5-2008 at 12:58 AM

I have been filling my 2003 Silverado 2500 HD diesel for over 2 years in Mexico and the only thing different from USA diesel is the $1.20 a gallon I save. My brother has a 2006 Dodge 2500 diesel and I take him to Mexicali when he is down and we fill his truck up with no running problems any time. Now, every forth oil change I do change out my fuel filter but I do it just because I want to my brother does not change his out though. Later---------bajafun777

Bob and Susan - 1-5-2008 at 08:07 AM

we have a 2007 ULSD diesel dodge
almost 15,000 miles on it since june

we burn mostly mexican diesel $2 a gallon WOW!!!

you don't need to bring an exrtra fuel filter ... this is 2007

remember...sulfer is a lubricant
no problems
it just makes SMOG!!!

just drive