BajaNomad

diesel fuel

dirtbikr - 8-2-2013 at 03:49 PM

I am in the market for a new truck, I need a diesel for the fifthwheel I am buying, is diesel fuel avail most everywhere in baja? I know it wasn't avail in asunsion in march when we were there, anywhere else not available?

DavidE - 8-2-2013 at 04:07 PM

Be SURE to check whether a brand new truck has the particulate filter which demands the use of 15 ppm diesel fuel, or not. Below El Rosario only Mexican manufactured PEMEX diesel is available which PEMEX publicly states is 300 PPM. Voiding the warranty is not something to be taken lightly.

David K - 8-2-2013 at 04:21 PM

See posts from 'Bob & Susan', who live in Baja Sur with new diesel trucks from the U.S.

There have been both no issue and big issue reports... you will need to decide on the risk.

chuckie - 8-2-2013 at 04:58 PM

YES

BajaParrothead - 8-2-2013 at 07:06 PM

Dirtbikr,
If you don't mind the used market, early 07's and earlier don't have the DPF.

Wally - 8-3-2013 at 08:02 AM

From the Ultra-low-sulfur diesel Wiki Page


Mexico

Mexico has begun limited introductions of ULSD along the border with the United States.[7]


.

David K - 8-3-2013 at 08:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Wally
From the Ultra-low-sulfur diesel Wiki Page


Mexico

Mexico has begun limited introductions of ULSD along the border with the United States.[7]


.


'Ultra Low' replaced 'Low' several years ago in the state of Baja California. The concern is in Baja California Sur.

MMc - 8-3-2013 at 09:00 AM

Diesel fuel will always be short in small towns. Diesel motors are only sold in large trucks in Mexico. The demand is along the highways. It is increasing up and down Baja but if you're leaving the highway you should do so with a full tank and some extra cans.
I love the idea of diesel but availability of fuel and getting them worked on keeps me with a gas hog.

bkbend - 8-3-2013 at 09:24 AM

I don't burn diesel so I can't say whether it's available at all locations, but one thing to remember is both gasoline and/or diesel may not be available at all times at all locations that normally have them. Outages occur for hours or days and it's usually in locations where there isn't an alternate station nearby. It's not as bad as the 'old' days but still wise to keep thinking about a plan B. I still top off frequently, the time it takes to do so is easier than the stress finding the next town dry.

chuckie - 8-3-2013 at 09:42 AM

I can get a lil over 600 miles per tank with my Dodge, havnt had any problem for a number of years finding diesel except at San Ignacio..with all the new stations and a 600 mile range a person would almost have to plan a problem...As to getting them worked on? My current Dodge has 336000 miles on it, and except for getting the valves adjusted every 100000 or so has had no problems....There are Cummins shops in almost every major ag center in Baja...My 90 Dodge, which I gave to my boy has almost 800000 miles on it, needed a new injector pump a while ago...

DavidE - 8-3-2013 at 10:04 AM

If the dealer catches wind of regular diesel being used in a new vehicle the service department enters the VIN number into their computer and you can say "Adios" to your warranty - all of it including rattles, paint, differential, and electrical. This is a big issue for some folks. New motor vehicles have problems and I'd hate to absorb that out of pocket.

Just something to chew on...

DENNIS - 8-3-2013 at 12:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by whistler
Rarely in small towns will you be able to find diesel.



I'm surprised that hasn't been changing. It wasn't until recently that Mexicans could register a diesel vehicle, but now it seems they can.
Even the Micro owners had to register their busses while it had a gas engine......then they would make the switch to diesel.

chuckie - 8-3-2013 at 01:09 PM

DavidE I dont believe that to be factual. Please point us to the source of that information...other than somebody said...

DavidE - 8-3-2013 at 01:55 PM

Ford Motor Company technical service bulletin articles, and a few Ford service department managers - like in English Chucky, and extensive conversations. I am not your librarian. Want a ---- load of information, go to rv.net the RV'ing Mexico thread, query DIESEL, and bring lots and lots of popcorn and no-doz.

Or have point-by-point fun with this...

http://www.dec.state.ak.us/air/anpms/ulsd/ulsd-q&a.htm

One thing I do not post, is garbage even though I sometimes have to respond to it...

BajaBlanca - 8-3-2013 at 02:14 PM

When we asked in Abreojos yesterday, they said they have diesel at the new gas station. Someone had asked us, so we inquired.

DavidE - 8-3-2013 at 02:28 PM

Sulfur extraction units cost a lot of money and even more to operate. I look for the refinacion in Queretaro or Veracruz to be the 1st with a refinery addition, and solely to feed the Mexico need for UBA diesel. Here? It's going to be awhile.

chuckie - 8-3-2013 at 03:16 PM

Already did that David,, and talked to my Dodge dealer last month...lots of stuff regarding performance problems but not much about voiding warranties on paint and door handles....It was in english, that part you got right....I am particularly interested, since Iam considering buying a new truck....My daughter was here several months ago with a 2010 Duramax...Paint didnt fall off...

DavidE - 8-3-2013 at 04:24 PM

Chuckie, I'm serious about the following. Talk to the SERVICE MANAGER at the agency not the guy in the Paisley Suit and Fluorescent Tie about what terms will void the warranty on the unit. There has been serious discourse about dealer computer diagnostics finding error codes in the regeneration units, leading to removal and examination of the regeneration units and finding UREA ADDITIVE had not been used and then the dealer denying service charges and in addition listing via computer the vehicle VIN number on the manufacturer's data base.

One Ford owner b-tched he had to pay the dealer two hundred dollars for resetting the computer, and one thousand three hundred dollars for a new regen unit. The vehicle had apparently never seen Mexico - all was done on USA low sulfur diesel.

A couple other people sued Dodge when their warranties were voided. Laugh about this if you wish I do not think risking forty thousand dollars is very funny myself.

Find out if disconnecting or running down the battery causes the check engine light to come on forcing the owner to take the vehicle to the dealer for a dealer only code removal. This is where the error code memory found the DPF error codes, and one thing led to another. Remember, I am talking about Chevy, Ford and Dodge so one or the other may have different warranties, but betcha a nickel Dodge says OH HELL NO to using 300 PPM diesel in your new truck.

This is a controversial subject. Don't feel lonely. Your money. Your Truck. Your Risk. not mine.

chuckie - 8-3-2013 at 04:46 PM

The service manager was whom I talked to..And you are right, my money, my truck, thats why I did the homework...

willardguy - 8-3-2013 at 04:58 PM

its clear the only way we're gonna get to the bottom of this is to bring in bob-n-susan :lol:

chuckie - 8-3-2013 at 05:15 PM

This is another one of those issues where people who actually are involved have to make up their own minds and assess the risks. Much of the advice comes from folks who dont own diesels, but "read on the internet" ...etc. Common sense has to come into play....Davids impassioned for sure statement had alot of ifs...if you run your battery down, if the dealer finds, if xyz code occurs...You pays your money and you makes your choice...I aint worried...

chuckie - 8-3-2013 at 06:10 PM

Suggest anyone fretting over these alleged problems go to the Dodge diesel forum and read the service bulletins re ULSD..The only only warranty comments have to with the catalyic system..MAY MAY not be covered if continous use etc....More concern about dermatitis from microbes..read em...

Bob and Susan - 8-3-2013 at 06:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
its clear the only way we're gonna get to the bottom of this is to bring in bob-n-susan :lol:


everyone is going down the WRONG road...

the REAL reason he manufacture says you HAVE to use only ULSD is because it has to meet strict smog rules...

If the manufacture said even veggie oil would burn in their diesel then they would have to pay an EXTRA tax on every truck they sold...its all about the MONEY!!!

oh yea...new diesels even run on veggie oil:light::light:

as for the CAT exhust system...there is a "burn off system" to clear the filters...

drive those diesels...they are WAY better than cars...

as for davide knowing about new diesel trucks...he has trouble buying new tires for his old car...how can he give advice ona new $60k diesel truck...sorry davide

DavidE - 8-3-2013 at 06:37 PM

Pays to stay informed. Many times is appreciated when a bit of caution is correctly added so that others can see for themselves when to say "Well is it? Yes or no? Better to ask the dealer about this!"

I put 400,000 miles on a diesel almost all of them in Mexico. Back when the diesel looked like strong lemonade with built-in fungus.

Myself, I would really familiarize myself with the process of catalyst regeneration and bring enough UREA additive to last a long time. What do people do in Mexico when their newer Ford diesel loses a battery or the system gets run down. The ECU goes into open loop, the light comes on, 20% of total fuel mileage is lost as is overdrive in an automatic transmission - until the vehicle is returned to the USA and a hundred dollars is paid a dealership (OBC 2 will not do it) to reset the ECU?

Even my clunker MUST HAVE synthetic automatic transmission fluid or it will fail in a few thousand miles (MoPar). Brave New World.

chuckie - 8-3-2013 at 07:32 PM

Davide, as usual is trying to obfuscate his total misinformation, by attempting to drag us off on yet another path. This thread was about the availability of diesel in Baja....I agree with Drive em....and dont use calcium chloride on your pickles....

mtnpop - 8-3-2013 at 09:23 PM

As I remember the switcheroo was Jan. 2007 to the new diesel engines that were supposed to only use low sulpher diesel per our friends in Washington..
I bought my 2007 Duramax in early 2007 but it was manuf before Dec 2006 when the manuf. retooled or whatever its called to put the new engines on line for the new law that took effect then... So I have no experience with the newer engines just the stories... As with everyone else with trucks pre mid 2007 model year I don't seem to have any problems...
My mileage in Mexico is lower but I figure that is the pump telling me its put in 50 litres and really only 45.. but thats just my opinion..
Its probably all Californias fault... emissions and all...

chuckie - 8-3-2013 at 09:58 PM

Its always Kalifornias fault....I suffrered a diesel leak problem at 106000 miles on my 95 Dodge which was fixed under warranty in Whitehorse Yukon Territory, because of an old service bulletin warning about a potential problem....warranties aint all bad,,,,

BajaParrothead - 8-4-2013 at 08:57 AM

mtnpop,
The change took place June/July 07. My 07 5.9 cummins was manufactured in june of 07. After June, they went to the 6.7 cummins, DPF and problems.
Quote:
Originally posted by mtnpop
As I remember the switcheroo was Jan. 2007 to the new diesel engines that were supposed to only use low sulpher diesel per our friends in Washington..
I bought my 2007 Duramax in early 2007 but it was manuf before Dec 2006 when the manuf. retooled or whatever its called to put the new engines on line for the new law that took effect then... So I have no experience with the newer engines just the stories... As with everyone else with trucks pre mid 2007 model year I don't seem to have any problems...
My mileage in Mexico is lower but I figure that is the pump telling me its put in 50 litres and really only 45.. but thats just my opinion..
Its probably all Californias fault... emissions and all...

boe4fun - 8-4-2013 at 10:11 AM

My understanding, after some research, is that any diesel engine built and installed after Jan. 1, 2007 is required to use only ULSD at 15PPM sulfur. You can find some '07 trucks with engines installed PRIOR to Jan. 1st and those can also burn LSD diesel fuel (at 500PPM). To be safe, when I bought my diesel I purchased a very slightly used 2005 GMC Duramax - a great combo and very economical for a full ton truck - my computer twice clocked 28.1 mpg between King City and Salinas. I was not towing anything, was not loaded with any weight, drove 55 mph on mostly flat land, didn't have the AC on, etc. I have heard of 2 issues where the warranty was voided because of the use of LSD fuel in engines requiring ULSD fuel.

Dodge Trucks

bajaguy - 8-4-2013 at 10:27 AM

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Ram

Bob and Susan - 8-4-2013 at 10:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by boe4fun
I have heard of 2 issues where the warranty was voided because of the use of LSD fuel in engines requiring ULSD fuel.



I've also heard that there is a "loc-ness monster" but no one seems to catch it

these stories are right next to the "short gas" myth

chuckie - 8-4-2013 at 12:58 PM

I bought a gizmo off homeshopping network that wrapped around the fuel line that got 81 MPG on my 96 Dodge diesel.....but some guys from EXXON gave me 50,000 dollars for it and swore me to secrecy . (name withheld for safety reasons)

Howard - 8-4-2013 at 02:30 PM

What is the latest cost for Diesel VS regular?

Bob and Susan - 8-4-2013 at 03:43 PM

this month its $3.30 usa a gallon

12.2 pesos to the dollar at the border friday

shari - 8-4-2013 at 05:04 PM

our wee gas station here in Asuncion...not a Pemex...does sell diesel...when they have it and they do run out sometimes. The big machines like the road grader use diesel and as mentioned in an emergency, you can also buy it from the fishing cooperativas. If you live in baja, you may want to do what we do and just buy your own barrel of fuel so you dont run out.

brewer - 8-5-2013 at 12:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by chuckie
I can get a lil over 600 miles per tank with my Dodge, havnt had any problem for a number of years finding diesel except at San Ignacio..with all the new stations and a 600 mile range a person would almost have to plan a problem...As to getting them worked on? My current Dodge has 336000 miles on it, and except for getting the valves adjusted every 100000 or so has had no problems....There are Cummins shops in almost every major ag center in Baja...My 90 Dodge, which I gave to my boy has almost 800000 miles on it, needed a new injector pump a while ago...


Well that's good news. My '97 has 221,000 miles on it with zero problems. I guess it's just getting broken in. My '92 only has 180,000 miles. Is your current Dodge a 12 valve?

DavidE - 8-6-2013 at 12:59 PM

Paid yesterday 3:00 PM in Vizcaino

11.88 for Premium red pump.

Bob and Susan - 8-6-2013 at 02:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
Paid yesterday 3:00 PM in Vizcaino
11.88 for Premium red pump.


the red pump squirts premium gas
always buy regular from the GREEN pump
never use the red pump

yesterday green gas was 10.29
that is $3.19usa a gallon

diesel was 10.64
that is $3.30usa a gallon

chuckie - 8-6-2013 at 02:35 PM

I was wondering how he got diesel from the red pump? This thread IS about diesel isnt it? I quit worrying about fuel prices in Mexico a long time ago, its not like you can really DO anything about them...

DavidE - 8-6-2013 at 03:09 PM

Then why oh why are you concerned with the prices then? Any of them? Like flooding on the flood plain of the Rio de Sta Rosalia in Mulege, don't worry - buy a decompression chamber and periscope and be done with it.

I GUARANTEE YOU there's nothing you can do about it...

[Edited on 8-6-2013 by DavidE]

chuckie - 8-6-2013 at 03:31 PM

Geez here he goes again....I dont LIVE in the flood plain, I DID something about it.....So your guarantee is as good as the rest of your post....I am NOT much concerned with prices, it are what it are.....If I think its too spendy, I dont buy it.....How DID you get diesel out of the red pump? If you werent buying diesel WHY are you posting on this thread?

DavidE - 8-6-2013 at 04:53 PM

Who said I said anything about you Chuckie...
What I offered was a COMPARISON. Diesel to premium which by the way is made in the USA - all of it, every last drop. Super Shell white pump with the Nitrogen Additive. Made in Mexico diesel is within a few cents as much as made in USA UBA premium gasoline. There is more to life than watching Smackdown, Tractor Pulls, and wondering just how cold that next brewskie is going to be. Rather than wander around looking for idle gringos yesterday I took a tour of the 11.02 MW CFE plant in Vizcaino. It can grow to 30 MW capacity total. But then again I missed an afternoon of reading Hustler, and watching the latest NASCAR phenomenon.

willardguy - 8-6-2013 at 04:59 PM

pickleE's gettin angry!:O

chuckie - 8-6-2013 at 05:10 PM

He appears to be a bit demented....apparently he doesnt read his posts before he pushes the button.....Trying to make the world revolve around him must be a stessful business...that last post made no sense at all..I dont have TV so cant relate to that nonsense...notice how he moves away from what he said in the prior post....From flood plain to price analysis...neither of which have anything to do with the intent of this thread.....

chuckie - 8-6-2013 at 05:26 PM

I dont think I am picking on him....he is just so full of whatever..himself mostly.....

steviecroc - 8-6-2013 at 06:33 PM

Just have to add my 2cents worth on the diesel. We have traveled baja for years in both our old 92 chev diesel and our "new to us " 2004 GMC diesel. Only thing we did years ago was add a inline LARGE prefilter with a drain on the bottom. Takes us back to remembering when we packed a piece of chamois to filter fuel thru on the bikes. Mileage on the new truck is 12-14 with camper or towing and better with only the shell. Doesn't seem to get better or worse either side of the border. Having to choose between diesel or gas I think we would go with the diesel option as our service life with them has been considerally longer than our gas trucks. The 92 has about 350K and is now raising a grandson and the 04 has 145K with no issues.

chuckie - 8-7-2013 at 03:58 AM

I adapted a fuel filter which is used on John Deere tractors. It has a snap on see through glass cartridge, which can be changed in less than 2 minutes. Filter kit is from Stanadyne diesel systems, part # 13519..Wix filter # is33370...I was driven to this mod by having to change a filter in 100+ temps on a rock road somewhere near La Purisima on the old road...I also installed an el cheapo electric booster fuel pump to fill and prime the filter..toughest part on newer diesels is finding a place to mount it, engine compartments are pretty full...on the 90 it bolted to the firewall...

chuckie - 8-7-2013 at 07:48 AM

I did not bypass the stock filter retaining it for the water seperator, which is relativeley easy to get to.