BajaNomad

ULS diesel

weebray - 9-8-2014 at 06:51 AM

What is the current availability of ultra low sulfur diesel in Baja. I have no idea what that is but I have a friend that wants to drive his new Mercedes dzl. RV down this fall and is in need of info. I told him I can't believe it could be a problem but wtf do I know?

David K - 9-8-2014 at 07:39 AM

The entire state of Baja CA stations, yes. Baja Sur maybe no. Scroll down to other thread on ULSD.

This ULSD thread was recently bumped in the Q & A forum: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=75248

[Edited on 9-8-2014 by David K]

weebray - 9-8-2014 at 08:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
The entire state of Baja CA stations, yes. Baja Sur maybe no. Scroll down to other thread on ULSD.

This ULSD thread was recently bumped in the Q & A forum: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=75248

[Edited on 9-8-2014 by David K]


I did search and find these articles. They were clear as mud. That's why I asked for the latest updated info. What should I tell my friend. I assume engine damage, due to incorrect fuel, to a late model Mercedes engine could be rather expensive. It may, also, not be covered under the warrantee due to improper fuel.

Bob and Susan - 9-8-2014 at 09:51 AM

car manufacturers must meet certain smog regulations to be able to sell their product in the usa

they cannot tell you that ANY diesel will work in your new car or truck or they fail and either cant sell the model or pay a HUGE fee

old people worry too much

bajaguy - 9-8-2014 at 09:53 AM

What I would tell your friend is to buy his last ULSD at Antonio's PEMEX in El Rosario.

Now if you were a real friend, tell him to get a Toyota Tacoma and drive that to Baja

chuckie - 9-8-2014 at 10:25 AM

I didnt know Toyota made a Diesel Tacoma?.......

chuckie - 9-8-2014 at 10:27 AM

I would tell your friend to ask the dealer he bought it from...If it is the same rig, sold as a Dodge Sprinter, I have seen a good number of them in Baja...As well as several "Real" Benz units....

bajaguy - 9-8-2014 at 10:34 AM

They don't, that is the work around to no ULSD in Baja Sur
Quote:
Originally posted by chuckie
I didnt know Toyota made a Diesel Tacoma?.......

David K - 9-8-2014 at 10:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by chuckie
I didnt know Toyota made a Diesel Tacoma?.......


Not yet... a Hilux, yes... but that's not sold in the U.S. or Canada.

chuckie - 9-8-2014 at 11:57 AM

I knew that...Just weary of the Toyota commercials....

[Edited on 9-8-2014 by chuckie]

Bob and Susan - 9-8-2014 at 01:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Maybe Bob & Susan can reinforce ok feelings by saying they run their ULSD truck on Baja Sur fuel without any issues... but it was a while ago since I read that? Is it still the case Bob?


the diesels were 2 trucks ago...gas now

but 2 diesel trucks 100k each... no problems

the low sulfur stuff is about SMOG
that's it

remember diesels can run with cooking oil if filtered correctly
but you'll gain weight from the smell :tumble:

dasubergeek - 9-8-2014 at 02:02 PM

Baja California's gas comes from California refineries. It's the same gas, so yes, it's ULSD. Never any problems filling up. (Whether a particular station sells diesel at all is a different question.)

ULSD is ultra-low-sulfur diesel. You can use non-ULSD. Here is what happens. In all diesel passenger vehicles sold after 2008, there is a urea tank that sprays what amounts to pig pee into the exhaust. It makes the "dirty", heavy particulate matter in the exhaust precipitate out and settle on the bottom of the holding tank.

Every now and then the particulate matter is burned, and the exhaust from that goes out the tailpipe. You can tell when this happens because your MPG will go way, way down. The more sulfur in your diesel fuel, the more particulate matter precipitates out. The more particulate matter there is in your holding tank, the more urea you will use and the more often you'll burn out the leavings.

Depending on how long he is planning to be in Baja Sur, it may be worthwhile having his urea tank topped off at the Benz dealership before leaving. I believe Mercedes calls it BlueTec. It shouldn't cost more than $50. If worse comes to worst, there is a Mercedes dealership on Padre Kino in Tijuana and one on Hwy 1 south of San Jose del Cabo.

mtgoat666 - 9-8-2014 at 02:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by weebray
I told him I can't believe it could be a problem but wtf do I know?


The mfgs wont tell you what will happen when you run high sulfur diesel fuel in an engine designed for ULSD, they will just say you will void your warranty.

Here is what MIGHT happen: the catalyst will be contaminated, potentially rendered useless, and excess sulfur may plug the particulate trap and that may cause a back pressure which could damage engine.

Personally, I would just go for it and enjoy the trip, and worry about it later. If your emissions control system gets screwed up, it wont be an acute problem, your car will still be drive-able, it will probably fail your next smog check. If you fail smog check and it is still on warranty, then take it to dealer and make them fix it (remove the "get baja" bumper sticker from vehicle before you take it to dealer :lol::lol::lol:

David K - 9-8-2014 at 03:45 PM

IT IS NOT "HIGH SULFUR" DIESEL!

Baja Sur has LOW SULFUR DIESEL and Baja Norte has ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL.

mtgoat666 - 9-8-2014 at 03:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
IT IS NOT "HIGH SULFUR" DIESEL!

Baja Sur has LOW SULFUR DIESEL and Baja Norte has ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL.


high, low, middle, top, bottom,... none of these terms mean squat in an information vacuum,... i think everything else is "high" relative to "ultra-low"

and you know what i meant :light:

chuckie - 9-8-2014 at 03:54 PM

Too much discussion on this subject, burn it and dont worry about it or stay home...Geez....

Meany - 9-8-2014 at 07:47 PM

Right Arm..Chuckie

bigmike58 - 9-8-2014 at 08:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by chuckie
Too much discussion on this subject, burn it and dont worry about it or stay home...Geez....


brilliant.

:?::?::?:


I ran a 2008 f250 6.4 chitbox Ford that has a DPF but does not use urea. I spent over $1400.00 on sensors that were "gummed up/ carbon covered".

Thetruck would go into "limp home mode" "check engine light" the list goes on and on. All of this from running LSD fuel from Mulege.. I would not drive a 2008 or newer diesel in Baja Sur. I'm speaking from direct experience, not some chit I read on the internet.

I now have all hemi powered dodges, my wallet is much happier. Same fuel mileage and tons less maintenance and we don't get gassed out from the DPF cleaning mode.

BTW, my 7.3 powerstroke without smog BS runs fine in Mulege-275000 miles and rattling its way to 300000

chuckie - 9-9-2014 at 01:17 AM

My 96 Dodge has been drinking Mulege diesel since it was new. 330,000+ miles, no problems except for hitting a light pole by Las Casitas, bad tequila, not bad diesel. Having said that, I would NOT buy a new diesel truck since to me gas trucks are now as cost effective. Solution is simple: If you think its going to be a big problem for you, dont bring it to Baja...YOUR decision, other people cant make it for you....

dasubergeek - 9-9-2014 at 04:06 PM

Just FYI, emissions control systems are required to be warranted for the lifetime of the vehicle if purchased in California.

chuckie - 9-9-2014 at 05:10 PM

Where is California?

dasubergeek - 9-9-2014 at 05:13 PM

The U.S. state of California.

chuckie - 9-9-2014 at 05:27 PM

Oh! That....Jerry Brown etc.....OK

David K - 9-9-2014 at 06:09 PM

Baja was California FIRST! ;)

mtgoat666 - 9-9-2014 at 07:27 PM

"Alta" comes before "Baja."

California uber alles!

David K - 9-10-2014 at 09:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
"Alta" comes before "Baja."

California uber alles!


"California" was first and applied to the region of La Paz, and beyond.

Most believed it was an island, despite many explorations that proved it was a peninsula... until the Consag expedition of June, 1746 seemed to finally end that idea.

The peninsula was called (only) California until Spain learned of Russian and British ventures far to the north of their explored lands and set the Franciscans loose to occupy the land north of the peninsula... now called "Nueva California" to distinguish it from the rest of California (the peninsula).

Once established at San Diego and Monterey/ Carmel, the peninsula was called "Antigua California" so we had an Old and New California to avoid any confusion.

It wasn't long before New California was called Upper ("Alta") California and Old California was called Lower ("Baja") California... and those names stuck... Until the Mexican War and the Americans dropping "Upper" or "Alta" from the name.

Mexico did not drop "Baja" from the name, but the body of water continued unaltered as the Gulf of California, never the Gulf of Baja California!

mtgoat666 - 9-10-2014 at 10:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
"Alta" comes before "Baja."

California uber alles!


"California" was first and applied to the region of La Paz, and beyond.

Most believed it was an island, despite many explorations that proved it was a peninsula... until the Consag expedition of June, 1746 seemed to finally end that idea.

The peninsula was called (only) California until Spain learned of Russian and British ventures far to the north of their explored lands and set the Franciscans loose to occupy the land north of the peninsula... now called "Nueva California" to distinguish it from the rest of California (the peninsula).

Once established at San Diego and Monterey/ Carmel, the peninsula was called "Antigua California" so we had an Old and New California to avoid any confusion.

It wasn't long before New California was called Upper ("Alta") California and Old California was called Lower ("Baja") California... and those names stuck... Until the Mexican War and the Americans dropping "Upper" or "Alta" from the name.

Mexico did not drop "Baja" from the name, but the body of water continued unaltered as the Gulf of California, never the Gulf of Baja California!


Like the song says, Califonia uber alles!

dasubergeek - 9-10-2014 at 11:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Baja was California FIRST! ;)


Me vale pura v****, dude. California is what we call the place where LA, San Francisco, etc. are.

David K - 9-10-2014 at 06:26 PM

Yes, I was born there (here)... I am talking history, and sometimes history that is ignored or mis-told. Knowing the goat is a low information voter, I thought I would help him... things like Low Sulfur Diesel is not High Sulfur, and California was the name of the peninsula for a lot more years (1533-1768) than the U.S. had this territory and renamed it as just California... (1848-present).:light::yes:;D

weebray - 9-10-2014 at 09:09 PM

Thanks for the reply's related to my question. Looks like BCS does not have ULSD. I guess my friend will just have to ride his bicycle instead of traveling in style - or not go as many of you have suggested. I doubt trading his luxury land yacht for a Toyota P/U is in the cards.

David K - 9-11-2014 at 10:09 AM

I think what was posted says that there is NO problem to using Low Sulfur, specially for vacation, since you are talking about only using a couple tanks before being back on Ultra Low.

Posted above by dasubergeek:


Baja California's gas comes from California refineries. It's the same gas, so yes, it's ULSD. Never any problems filling up. (Whether a particular station sells diesel at all is a different question.)

ULSD is ultra-low-sulfur diesel. You can use non-ULSD. Here is what happens. In all diesel passenger vehicles sold after 2008, there is a urea tank that sprays what amounts to pig pee into the exhaust. It makes the "dirty", heavy particulate matter in the exhaust precipitate out and settle on the bottom of the holding tank.

Every now and then the particulate matter is burned, and the exhaust from that goes out the tailpipe. You can tell when this happens because your MPG will go way, way down. The more sulfur in your diesel fuel, the more particulate matter precipitates out. The more particulate matter there is in your holding tank, the more urea you will use and the more often you'll burn out the leavings.

Depending on how long he is planning to be in Baja Sur, it may be worthwhile having his urea tank topped off at the Benz dealership before leaving. I believe Mercedes calls it BlueTec. It shouldn't cost more than $50. If worse comes to worst, there is a Mercedes dealership on Padre Kino in Tijuana and one on Hwy 1 south of San Jose del Cabo.

weebray - 9-11-2014 at 02:00 PM

Thanks, My friend has been advised of his options. I guess the only thing I'm not clear on is if Jesus Maria has Baja or BCS diesel?

David K - 9-11-2014 at 02:58 PM

It is only 20 miles north of Guerrero Negro... if they were out at Jesus Maria, then your friend would have to get gas at Guerrero Negro... unless he has extra tanks and can go 400 or more miles from El Rosario fill up (for a round trip).

bajaguy - 9-11-2014 at 03:20 PM

Contact Antonio at Baja Cactus
Quote:
Originally posted by weebray
Thanks, My friend has been advised of his options. I guess the only thing I'm not clear on is if Jesus Maria has Baja or BCS diesel?

dasubergeek - 9-11-2014 at 03:30 PM

One or two or even ten tanks of low-sulfur diesel is not going to clog his fuel lines, jeez.

I'd be more worried about the tránsitos seeing the Benz and dollar signs lighting up in their eyes than anything to do with the diesel fuel.

bigmike58 - 9-12-2014 at 03:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dasubergeek
One or two or even ten tanks of low-sulfur diesel is not going to clog his fuel lines, jeez.

I'd be more worried about the tránsitos seeing the Benz and dollar signs lighting up in their eyes than anything to do with the diesel fuel.




It's not the lines that get clogged, it's the DPF and expensive sensors that tell the motor "problema" and then you are stuck at 25mph or parked.