BajaNomad

diesel (ulsd) in BAJA........yes,again

tecatero - 10-27-2015 at 06:30 AM

Ok, hate to dig this up again, but Im buying a 2014 Sprinter, ULSD( ultra low sulfur diesel) stickers everywhere on it. I have read there are Pemex stations in Baja norte that carry it labeled UBA all the way till Jesus Maria just north of Guerro. However if I am driving to Los cabos, I'll need diesel. Supposedly, there is no ULSD as of now, again supposedly Baja sur was going to be a ULSD state by end of 2015,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,any people in the same situation ? all info gratefully accepted

chuckie - 10-27-2015 at 08:48 AM

Search function

tecatero - 10-27-2015 at 08:58 AM

searched " function" got nothing ????????

ULSD

bajaguy - 10-27-2015 at 09:02 AM

ULSD not south of Jesus Maria, have not heard otherwise. I'm sure it would be posted here if further south

Headed to Mulege tomorrow, leaving Diesel at home, taking Toyota Tacoma

woody with a view - 10-27-2015 at 09:03 AM

you have all the latest info. no ULSD south of GN as far as i know.

tecatero - 10-27-2015 at 09:05 AM

got it.......thanks nomads.....Looks as if I may not be buying a 2013 Sprinter diesel considering I spend 6 months a year in Bja sur...thanks

chuckie - 10-27-2015 at 09:07 AM

FLASH..just in from the Mexican Govt. Sales of ALL diesel fuel in Mexico have been suspended, and all Vehicles MUST be converted to run on Pacifico within the next 24 hours...That should put a new spin on a beat to death subject...

David K - 10-27-2015 at 09:07 AM

I had read that a few tanks of Low Sulfur Diesel gets erased by returning to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel. Otherwise, what are you going to do, not go to Baja Sur? I am sure there must be some diesel forums where you can get some comforting news.

tecatero - 10-27-2015 at 09:11 AM

been searching the topic all night... I have learned a lot in 12 hours. Sales guy assures Mex diesel is fine, however the DPF ( filter) has very short life running LSD vs ULSD. Hence, "sulfur poisoning" can occur or may never occur.....Hate to kill a nice warranty on a fuel issue. Mex was suppose to be ULSD compliant years ago, and supposedly will be 100% by 2016, but we all know how the Pemex mafia works

David K - 10-27-2015 at 09:12 AM

Can you install a saddle-tank to extend your range?

woody with a view - 10-27-2015 at 09:14 AM

how about bring along an extra filter or 3?

chuckie - 10-27-2015 at 09:14 AM

Seem to be lots of Sprinters running around in BCS that havnt died...

tecatero - 10-27-2015 at 09:16 AM

i agree Chuckie, I have seen a ton, the pre 2007 models have no worries, and as usual the Sprinters mfg for Mex have hardly any of the emission BS

tecatero - 10-27-2015 at 09:23 AM

woody, the part that fails is called the DPF ( diesel particle filter) they are $1200 on ebay.................I was thinking the same thing just bring extra filters,,,,,,,,,lol

watizname - 10-27-2015 at 09:33 AM

I for one don't mind this subject being revisited every now and then. If guys don't ask every now and then how are we gonna know when they finally make the switch? I'm springing for an aftermarket tank to double my capacity, and will carry extra cans too, but it would be nice to just be able to get it at the southern pumps. :coolup:

Rumrunner - 10-27-2015 at 12:03 PM

I installed a 100 gallon tank in the bed of my 2015 f250.
Have a range of about 2000 miles, 1500 if towing the boat.
Nice thing is diesel is 2.59 a gallon here. Just drove to La bocana BCS and back with plenty of fuel left.

tecatero - 10-27-2015 at 04:11 PM

wow, thats awesome, I ight have to get creative with fuel storage

chuckie - 10-27-2015 at 04:22 PM

Down side is LOTS of additional weight and overall reduced load capacity....Just go for it, dude...Why, I understand some brave people are even venturing into Baja without full coverage Cell phone service! Duro Hombres!

bajabuddha - 10-27-2015 at 04:54 PM

Let's see if any of you 'extra cans' folks get turned back at the border. When gasoline was more expensive than diesel, they wouldn't allow jerry-cans, even for boat gas (oil-mixed). When US gas skyrocketed and everyone was dashing SOB to fill up, oooohhh, no problemo ! Now it's back to cheaper NOB. Rotsa ruck. Extra (hidden) tank, you'll get through.

Unless you live there and run their southern diesel full-time, does it REALLY make that much of a difference for say, 5 tank-fulls?

tecatero - 10-27-2015 at 08:21 PM

unfortunately Chuckie,in 6 months I will go thru probably 15-20 tanks driving all over baja sur...............think I might have to just stick with my old f150 for another year...thx nomads

watizname - 10-27-2015 at 09:55 PM

Never been stopped at the border for empty cans. Fill them in Northern Baja. :coolup:

BigWooo - 10-28-2015 at 07:36 AM

I don't know if the newer trucks that require ULSD are different from my 2008 Duramax that requires ULSD...but I've been running mine on Baja Sur diesel for 6 years. I have read the particulate filter will fail early, and usually around 100,000 miles if you don't use ULSD. I believe that's the only downside to not using ULSD.

chuckie - 10-28-2015 at 08:07 AM

My Daughter had her 2014 Duramax in Mulege for about a month...Still living....What is the Manufacturers position on ULSD and Warranties?...?????

woody with a view - 10-28-2015 at 08:14 AM

how would they know what you put in, assuming your filter failed in 8 years? you'd just say i put in whatever that stuff is that comes out of the pumps at Chevron. you would never admit to being in a foreign country, right?

woody with a view - 10-28-2015 at 08:15 AM

or, if you couldn't face yourself, just add in the cost to replace in 100k miles to your yearly budget.

chuckie - 10-28-2015 at 08:36 AM

Nomads stretch the Truth? Bite your tongue! I just got off the phone with Dodge Customer Service/Warranty folks.. The owners manual for the new Cummins Diesels (I don't have one) according to them, clearly states that the warranty is nichts goot if ULSD is not used...Like it's void, Dude...Next time I get to a Dodge store I will look it up...I doubt it would cause a catastrophic failure, and wonder what real damage would be caused by running 6-700 Gallons of non ULSD through an engine...Conjecture....

Sprinters and Baja diesel

surfhat - 10-28-2015 at 11:08 AM

Tecatero, try going on the Sprinter Forum site before you buy and all will be revealed. Lots of good info from a lot of generous patrons like we have here, always willing to help.

When I bought my 06 five years ago, the Dodge sprinter service manager on Balboa in SD, clearly stated if I intended to go to Baja, don't buy a model later than an '06. People were having to be towed back and this was in 2010 using LSD on their newer models of the time.

Mexican Sprinters are devoid of the upgrades [?] added after '07 and run great. Ours, not so much. Expensive to fix and no fun having to tow them back and have them go into Limp Mode Home on those skinny roads.

One company in France makes direct replacement aluminum tanks ACGM, using the same sender that can give a 1200 mile range or more but importing these ends up costing around $2,000 when all is said and done. Last time I checked no one was making direct replacement tanks in the states which is nuts. Not enough demand I suppose.

There are some second tanks available through the Sprinter Store in Oregon but due to some limitations in the way they functioned were not what I wanted.

Depending on the model year you end up with, there might be some special tunes that can help get around the damage that will be done using LSD on 07up models.

Find an '06 that can work for you and you are home free.

brucedog - 11-6-2015 at 08:07 AM

I just want to thank all of you for bringing this topic up again... I'm new to this forum and new to having a diesel. Heading to La Ventana next month in my 2015 Sprinter. I had heard that there is an additive that helps and also that it's best not to idle a lot when using Low Sulfur Diesel. Has anybody heard of that?

Hook - 11-6-2015 at 09:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by brucedog  
I just want to thank all of you for bringing this topic up again... I'm new to this forum and new to having a diesel. Heading to La Ventana next month in my 2015 Sprinter. I had heard that there is an additive that helps and also that it's best not to idle a lot when using Low Sulfur Diesel. Has anybody heard of that?


So, you're going for it, even after the experiences that surfhat has relayed? :?:

ULSD

bajaguy - 11-6-2015 at 09:15 AM

I have a 2011 Ram with the Cummins 6.7 turbo diesel

Owners manual says ULSD only. I'll stay above Jesus Maria

sprinter vans

surfhat - 11-6-2015 at 09:17 AM

I suggest you go to the Sprinter Forum site before driving your 2015 Sprinter van anywhere south of El Rosario and further on south of there at Jesus Maria. There is no ULSD from there on.

There are no additives that can prevent the expensive damage you will do to your van running it on LSD and in addition possibly violating your MB warranty.

Some earlier models can be tuned to delete a couple of the systems most affected by LSD use, but your 2015 is too new to have these available.

The best of the tuners is GDE, Green Diesel Engineering, for our Sprinter vans. Give them a call and learn for yourself what is and what is not possible to allow you to run LSD without risking some very expensive repairs and a tow back to the border.

One of those extended range tanks I mentioned earlier could give you enough range to make it from El Rosario in the north to the East Cape and back and as little mixing as possible of LSD and ULSD with a 66 gallon tank the size of one of these, could get you by.

These vans can be exasperating if not treated as designed and going into LMH or shutting down on that narrow two lane road completely, will not be fun.

That all being said, Happy Trails. It is a beautiful drive in the daylight hours and is worth stopping every evening before dark. DO NOT PLAN TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. It is not worth it, plus you miss put on the scenery. Those black cows just love the roadside and blend in all too well in the darkness. An added LED light bar on the front end is highly recommended in case you get caught in the darkness but stopping for the evening and enjoying a Baja sunset is always the best choice.

surfhat - 11-6-2015 at 09:22 AM

I forgot to include a word about idling. Do not do it. It will clog up and shut you down more than anything else you could do in these vans. Go to the Sprinter Forum site and read up about this. There is a high idle option available that mitigates the soot build up but it is limited and so should any idling you may consider doing.

tecatero - 11-7-2015 at 06:19 AM

I just read a few days ago of a 2014 Sprinter the guy drove back from Cabo non stop in fear of sulfur poisoning...He was running LSD, not ULSD and his DFP was doing a Re-generation cycle, however it did not boot. So his dash said 8 starts left , then 7, then 6,etc,,,, basically drove 18 hours straight, he had 2 starts left when he got to the border and limped it to the dealer. It was ok, according to him and the dealer rebooted the cycle via software. I am on hold for my Sprinter purchase due to the time i spend in BCS. I would be very weary of letting the dealer know anything about being in Mex, running non ULSD. Also, Pemex has halted all new refinery processing expansions on making ULSD because of low crude prices,,,,so its looking like 2017, if ever, at the earliest. I ll try and find the link and post it on here

Bob and Susan - 11-7-2015 at 06:49 AM

it's always some other guy...and he wrote on the internet...

has ANYONE here had trouble?

it's an epa requirement for diesels to use only ulsd...your diesel will run

this last guy had a computer problem and it need to be "flashed" with updated data...that's all

don't believe everything that's written on the internet
...maybe this too : )

tecatero - 11-7-2015 at 06:59 AM

Here it is, if its BS this guy should write some novels. I agree most is BS on internet, but before I drop 50K I take heed to all info:, its a good read anyway

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?p=412299

bajaguy - 11-7-2015 at 07:22 AM

I'm not going to risk a $50K investment based on
what the automotive engineers on this page say (or think).....I'll follow the owners manual and protect my truck and the warranty.

chuckie - 11-7-2015 at 07:31 AM

Yup....That first person horror story on the Sprinter forum would prevent me from taking a newer one to Baja Sur. Or, I think even buying a newer one as they sound way too hi-tech ....I sometimes think about trading Ol Smokey, but then read something like that and put my checkbook away...VIVA old trucks!!!!

Bob and Susan - 11-7-2015 at 07:42 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie  
Yup....That first person horror story on the Sprinter forum would prevent me from taking a newer one to Baja Sur. Or, I think even buying a newer one as they sound way too hi-tech ....I sometimes think about trading Ol Smokey, but then read something like that and put my checkbook away...VIVA old trucks!!!!


there we go... "don't cross the border"
the myth continues...

chuckie - 11-7-2015 at 08:02 AM

there we go, saying something that was never said...Where did I say anything about not crossing the border????? You are living in a time warp.....There are problems with taking one of the new sprinters south, and since you don't own one, who are you to say there are not...??? Maybe because you own a destination resort , you cant face reality? YOUR myth continues....

basautter - 11-7-2015 at 08:13 AM

Again?

mojo_norte - 11-7-2015 at 08:29 AM

I honestly don't get Sprinter's as Baja trip vehicle - Low ground clearance , no 4x4, expensive , diesel - why diesel unless you're hauling a house? Just get a one ton E350 gas or similar w/ high top - lift the suspension or put in a front diff - and some meaty tires etc. but to each his own .

brucedog - 11-7-2015 at 08:33 AM

Wow, thanks for all the responses and advice. I'm on the Sprinter forum as well and it's pretty funny... when the fuel in Baja topic comes up they suggest going to this forum:) I have read about not idling too long and I do have the high idle package. I have also read the story about the guy who drove non-stop back from Cabo with great interest. It was actually his experience that gave me confidence that I could pull the trip off. I will only need 3-4 tanks of fuel below Guerrero Negro.

Surfhat, I will contact GDE...thanks for the info. I will follow up with what I decide to do. I suppose I might have to get a trailer for my Honda Pilot and drag all my stuff down.

Thanks again to everybody...I really appreciate your advice

Bruce

brucedog - 11-7-2015 at 08:37 AM

Mojo_norte, mine is a 4x4, it has tons of space, drives like a dream, and gets 20 mpg. That's good enough for me (except for this fuel nightmare :-)

mojo_norte - 11-7-2015 at 08:52 AM

Quote: Originally posted by brucedog  
Mojo_norte, mine is a 4x4, it has tons of space, drives like a dream, and gets 20 mpg. That's good enough for me (except for this fuel nightmare :-)


Nice ! - have not seen the 4x4 version. friends w/ the regular ones were getting getting stuck a lot .

surfhat - 11-7-2015 at 09:21 AM

If any one has an 06 Sprinter van or older, you are home free for running LSD. I can attest to that.

The new 4 by 4' s have a smaller fuel tank to allow for the transfer case. Keep that in mind and don't get caught short. Carry some extra five gallon cans. That there alone is good for a hundred miles per can.

If you do idle extensively at times, you can run the rpm's up to around 3,000 for a short spell when back on the road and help clean out the soot accumulation you have added while idling and prevent the erg and def from causing problems.

On the Sprinter Forum, Sailquick is a good source for keeping these vans running as efficiently as they are intended. Don't forget to add a Scan Gauge 2 as an invaluable monitor of many engine parameters to help you keep an eye on, to get the most out of these machines with the least amount of trouble.

Mojo norte, Sprinters have more ground clearance that any of the other similar high roof vans out there and compare to the ford econolines' in that respect but 6' of interior headroom is a bonus.

woody with a view - 11-7-2015 at 10:21 AM

+1 on the ScanGauge!

brucedog - 11-7-2015 at 10:54 AM

Thanks again Surfhat. I have also heard of the ScanGauge and it is on the list! My tank is 24.6 gallons and I'm getting over 400 miles on a tank but I will definitely carry a couple of extra jerry cans

chuckie - 11-7-2015 at 11:12 AM

I have had my eye on a Sprinter since they came out. One of our UPS drivers is herding a 4WD big one around. He is going to let me know when it is ready for replacement, and where it can be bought. Will be high mileage but so? Old Smokey has over 300,000 on him and the 90 that I gave to my boy over 800,000 and still going...I think the 4WD Sprinter will make the almost perfect outdoorsmans rig....

Extra Fuel

bajaguy - 11-7-2015 at 11:27 AM

Get a Hitch Hauler, they are great for toting fuel

http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-deluxe-cargo-ca...
Quote: Originally posted by brucedog  
Thanks again Surfhat. I have also heard of the ScanGauge and it is on the list! My tank is 24.6 gallons and I'm getting over 400 miles on a tank but I will definitely carry a couple of extra jerry cans

tecatero - 11-9-2015 at 03:24 AM

i think the real question to this forum is" when will Pemex step up to ULSD"...low crude prices is their excuse for halting construction of the special refinery. As long as the new diesels sold in Mex can run on LSD there is really no incentive for them to manufacture cleaner more expensive fuels for a handful of RVers and adventure gringos. They can buy ULSD from the states for their border stations sfor Mex trucks to meet US emissions so thats that............stuck with newer gas vehicles for now,,,too bad ,the 4x4 Sprinter is an awesome Baja ride with great fuel economy for an 8500lb beast