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LS Diesel

BobM - 8-3-2016 at 05:16 PM

I haven't made a trip to Baja in 3 years, and am not looking forward to another Canadian winter, I was going to bring down my truck camper and boat, but am looking at buying a new diesel truck, is Low sulfur diesel readily available, I would be going Bola and maybe as far south as Lareto.

woody with a view - 8-3-2016 at 05:24 PM

i BELIEVE ULSD is available down to G Negro or so and from there south its LSD. more info will come from others.

David K - 8-3-2016 at 05:33 PM

ULTRA LOW to L.A. Bay, yes.
LOW from Guerrero Negro to LORETO and the rest of the southern half, if not Ultra Low, yet.

bajaguy - 8-3-2016 at 06:02 PM

ULSD north of Guerrero Negro

watizname - 8-4-2016 at 08:00 AM

From what I've read, ULSD north of GN and LS below. I've used the LS in my 2015 Ford on one trip, but I carried 20 gals of ULSD with me and made sure to dilute any southern diesel with it. I didn't have any problems getting all the way to Loreto and back, but I only put about 2 full tanks of the Low Sulphur stuff thru the motor and like I said it was diluted probably 50-50.

tecatero - 8-4-2016 at 09:52 AM

jesus maria is the last ULSD station,,,,,allegedly........I have heard it switches sometimes......the diesel rumor mill shall continue. I did hear Pemex has put their ULSD plant on hold as the price of crude oil has crashed.

BajaMama - 8-8-2016 at 06:19 AM

I could be wrong, but I heard that diesel is imported from USA in Baja Norte, and that Pemex supplies diesel (via ship) to Baja Sur, hence the difference in ULSD and LS in the two states. I really want a Mercedes Sprinter Chasis motorhome but am reluctant because of the unavailability of ULSD in Baja Sur.

watizname - 8-8-2016 at 08:55 AM

Same info I got from Antonio at Baja Cactus :coolup:

Quote: Originally posted by BajaMama

I could be wrong, but I heard that diesel is imported from USA in Baja Norte, and that Pemex supplies diesel (via ship) to Baja Sur, hence the difference in ULSD and LS in the two states. I really want a Mercedes Sprinter Chasis motorhome but am reluctant because of the unavailability of ULSD in Baja Sur.

Shadowman - 7-18-2017 at 10:17 AM

As this is the newest post I can find I am asking for updates on the ULSD issue. I am heading south to La Ventana and maybe Cabo in September and contemplating doing the trip in a newer MB Blue Tec vehicle.
Any recent info on ULSD availability in BCS would be appreciated.

TMW - 7-18-2017 at 10:38 AM

I've never owned a diesel, with that said what goes bad if you use LSD in a vehicle that requires ULSD?

DaliDali - 7-18-2017 at 11:29 AM

Everything you wanted to know about MX diesel is found here.

http://bajamary.com/media/Mexico-Diesel.php

Shadowman - 7-18-2017 at 11:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DaliDali

Everything you wanted to know about MX diesel is found here.

http://bajamary.com/media/Mexico-Diesel.php

Thanks but this is 1.5 years old. I am looking for any updated info regarding
ULSD in Southern Baja

DaliDali - 7-18-2017 at 11:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Shadowman

Quote: Originally posted by DaliDali

Everything you wanted to know about MX diesel is found here.

http://bajamary.com/media/Mexico-Diesel.php

Thanks but this is 1.5 years old. I am looking for any updated info regarding
ULSD in Southern Baja

Nothing has changed.

JZ - 7-18-2017 at 02:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

Quote: Originally posted by TMW

I've never owned a diesel, with that said what goes bad if you use LSD in a vehicle that requires ULSD?

nothing goes wrong

Service engine light comes on after a tank or two. Clears up after a tank of ULSD. It's happened to be 3 or 4 times.

Apparently it will go into limp mode if you do it long enough.

[Edited on 7-18-2017 by JZ]

mjs - 7-18-2017 at 03:59 PM

The use of LSD will eventually clog the particulate filter A part that the dealer will gladly sell you a replacement for a few thousand dollars A tank or two will be fine but continued use is a bad thing.

The epa has gone after all of the companies selling delete kits.

bajabuddha - 7-18-2017 at 04:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mjs

The use of LSD will eventually clog the particulate filter A part that the dealer will gladly sell you a replacement for a few thousand dollars A tank or two will be fine but continued use is a bad thing.

The epa has gone after all of the companies selling delete kits.

I knew LSD had a myriad of side effects but..... clogged filters?? :wow:

No wonder the '60s were so cloudy!
I wonder if it causes flashbacks in the injectors? :?:

[Edited on 7-18-2017 by bajabuddha]

yumawill - 7-19-2017 at 06:45 AM

DEF is Diesel exhaust fluid. It's a lubricant and required for the new Diesel motors. It lubricates the engine and allows the particulates in the exhaust to be burned to ash by the after burner we'll call it. Cleaner exhaust is the net result. If you run LSD in your motor it will cause major problems. And if that occurs the dealer will test your fuel in the tank. Any trace of LSD and warranty is void.
I just bought a new Gas Dodge Promaster Van. Front wheel drive, provides Positraction. Great mileage 22mpg. Loves Pemex. Now upfitted for Mexico. Good luck.

chuckie - 7-19-2017 at 07:58 AM

Good choice!

Don Jorge - 7-19-2017 at 08:28 AM

Quote: Originally posted by yumawill

DEF is Diesel exhaust fluid. It's a lubricant and required for the new Diesel motors. It lubricates the engine and allows the particulates in the exhaust to be burned to ash by the after burner we'll call it. Cleaner exhaust is the net result. If you run LSD in your motor it will cause major problems. And if that occurs the dealer will test your fuel in the tank. Any trace of LSD and warranty is void.
I just bought a new Gas Dodge Promaster Van. Front wheel drive, provides Positraction. Great mileage 22mpg. Loves Pemex. Now upfitted for Mexico. Good luck.

Good chioce going gasoline for your intended use.

DEF is held in a dedicated tank, is Urea with deionized water, and as you stated is used as part of emissions control in exhaust systems. But it never enters the engine and to my knowledge is not classified as either a fuel or a lubricant.

The problems running LSD fuel in ULSD engines will be cumulative in nature and affect sensors readings and or the DPF, diesel particulate filter. We have run several tanks on LSD fuel through our out of warranty 6.7 Ford with no noticeable problems. The link Dali provided is very informative. Warranties and the consequences of ones decisions are personal.

If you are in a state or country where no emissions testing occurs on diesel vehicles you have options if you think you are going to be spending lots of time in no ULSD available zones.

My guess is the Hosers Chippy sees in MelaQuebec driving those big modern diesel trucks are farmer ranchers who run their rigs into their shops before the trip south, remove the factory exhaust, replace with straight pipes and reprogram the computer accordingly. We will be doing the same for our trip this coming winter.

Diesel trucks are for work under load. If you do not haul load go gasoline.

chuckie - 7-19-2017 at 09:53 AM

Some people just like Diesels!

mtgoat666 - 7-19-2017 at 02:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

I have yet to come across someone "real" that has said..."yup I burned Mexican diesel and my engine broke down"

lots of talk on the internet about what will happen but no real people saying THIS is what happened

jz is the first "real" person to say he had blew a "code"

remember ulsd is used to reduce emissions for the manufacturer...they can NEVER say another diesel fuel wil burn in the truck or they pay a fine to the epa

don't you think those farmers in north Dakota and Kansas put that "red diesel" in their trucks...hell yea

if you leave your tank empty here in south baja you'll get moisture in your fuel for sure and unless you have a water separator installed your truck will run terrible

your info is a bit old. in the usa most (all?) off-road (red) diesel is now ultra-low sulfur.
btw, don't get caught running red diesel in your on-road autos, the fines aint cheap.

mjs - 7-19-2017 at 04:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

your info is a bit old. in the usa most (all?) off-road (red) diesel is now ultra-low sulfur.
btw, don't get caught running red diesel in your on-road autos, the fines aint cheap.

And the OEM fuel filters have built in water separators including a sensor to notify you of excessive water and the need to drain the filter.

chuckie - 7-19-2017 at 05:20 PM

Dyed diesel and reg diesel are sameo..Dyed is cheaper because "Road and luxury" taxes are not added. Every now and then dyed diesel gets into old smokey...he don't care.

SFandH - 7-20-2017 at 06:08 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

I still haven't seen a "real" person have a diesel fail using PEMEX diesel

do you know anybody that has been continually using Mex low sulfur in an ultra low sulfur engine?

chuckie - 7-20-2017 at 06:09 AM

Your point is still muddy. When you go into a fueling station in Baja, they have ONE kind of Diesel. SO? How do you feel that anyone has a choice? Here in Farm/Ranch country we do have a choice. Regular, Biofuel, Dyed....Pay your money and make your choice. No one spends a lot of time looking over their shoulders for the Black Helicopters of "The Man".....

mtgoat666 - 7-20-2017 at 06:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

you are missing my point...maybe I wasn't clear enough

you are being lead like sheep by "the man"

you can use "crappy" diesel in your truck ...
it just isn't good for the "air quality"

...

think about it...don't trust "the man"

Susan,
What ignorance! Decreased sulfur in fuel makes for cleaner burning fuel and better air quality. The science and engineering is real. where do you dunderheads get this nonsense?

mjs - 7-20-2017 at 06:48 AM

Sulfur is used in diesel fuel to lubricate the pump and injectors. It also produces sulfur dioxide emissions that contribute to acid rain. A reduced level of sulfur was necessary with the introduction of catalytic and NOx emissions equipment.

Using LSD will not hurt your engine. Over time it will foul your emissions equipment, specifically the catalytic converter and particulate filter. For my Dodge those two replacement parts are $3500 and $2000 respectively. Plus labor.

Initially the engine management system will try to adjust by using more DEF to burn off the particulates but that will not remove the contamination from the excess sulfur. As the filter becomes more fouled it will restrict the exhaust with a reduction in performance and eventually a check engine light. Nowadays, all emission codes are stored and can be recalled by the dealer or an inspection agency. Something to consider if your truck is registered in a State with emissions testing like Calif where they just plug into the truck's computer and look for any codes.

If you own a diesel you should know how to drain excess water from the fuel filter. The instructions have been in the owner's manual for both my Ford (97) and Dodge (2010). It's about as difficult as checking the oil. A bit more of a mess though as the water / diesel will drain out on the ground. I usually carry a spare filter also but the quality of Pemex fuel is good enough that I have never needed to use it.

AKgringo - 7-20-2017 at 09:29 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

water will only be a problem for people that keep their tank empty...keep it full and you wont have a water issue

Water also comes from poorly designed or maintained filling stations. Trust me, I know!

mjs - 7-20-2017 at 10:08 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

Quote: Originally posted by mjs

...Over time it will foul your emissions equipment, specifically the catalytic converter and particulate filter. For my Dodge those two replacement parts are $3500 and $2000 respectively. Plus labor...

I would shop around...I've been looking at new trucks and these parts can be had for 500-600 dollars installed

I don't need to shop for anything for my truck...

The cheap replacements are not legal or certified to meet the OEM standards so no-go in Calif. Calif's anti-tampering law prohibits the use of non-OEM parts unless they have received a special exemption allowing their use as a replacement part. The CARB has a database for legal replacement converters. A quick search showed no legal aftermarket converters for any Chevy, Dodge or Ford late model (post 2009) diesel trucks.

Buyer beware.

chuckie - 7-20-2017 at 10:17 AM

Kalifornia..pffft

Shadowman - 7-25-2017 at 12:02 PM

Thanks for all the info. I am still not sure if I am risking damage to my
MB 250.
I guess I will talk to the dealer.

chuckie - 7-25-2017 at 02:22 PM

Smart move..

karmatourer - 9-1-2018 at 07:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mjs

Sulfur is used in diesel fuel to lubricate the pump and injectors. It also produces sulfur dioxide emissions that contribute to acid rain. A reduced level of sulfur was necessary with the introduction of catalytic and NOx emissions equipment.

Using LSD will not hurt your engine. Over time it will foul your emissions equipment, specifically the catalytic converter and particulate filter. For my Dodge those two replacement parts are $3500 and $2000 respectively. Plus labor.

Initially the engine management system will try to adjust by using more DEF to burn off the particulates but that will not remove the contamination from the excess sulfur. As the filter becomes more fouled it will restrict the exhaust with a reduction in performance and eventually a check engine light. Nowadays, all emission codes are stored and can be recalled by the dealer or an inspection agency. Something to consider if your truck is registered in a State with emissions testing like Calif where they just plug into the truck's computer and look for any codes.

If you own a diesel you should know how to drain excess water from the fuel filter. The instructions have been in the owner's manual for both my Ford (97) and Dodge (2010). It's about as difficult as checking the oil. A bit more of a mess though as the water / diesel will drain out on the ground. I usually carry a spare filter also but the quality of Pemex fuel is good enough that I have never needed to use it.

Not an issue with a modern diesel. Does your truck not have regen?

karmatourer - 9-1-2018 at 07:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

Susan,
What ignorance! Decreased sulfur in fuel makes for cleaner burning fuel and better air quality. The science and engineering is real. where do you dunderheads get this nonsense?

California,apparently. Also fined for using "wrong" diesel. Laughable.

karmatourer - 9-1-2018 at 08:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

Susan,
What ignorance! Decreased sulfur in fuel makes for cleaner burning fuel and better air quality. The science and engineering is real. where do you dunderheads get this nonsense?

California,apparently. Also fined for using "wrong" diesel. Laughable.

15389 - 9-9-2018 at 01:11 PM

According to one of the last posts on the Baja Pony Express all of Baja now has ULSD.