Forum Discussion

AllenTC2's avatar
AllenTC2
Explorer
Sep 05, 2017

Fuel in Mexico and points south

A question I posted in another section here brought out an interesting comment.....

Most TC types down there have gas engines over diesel? Something about the sulfur content in diesel fuel there?

I'm mulling over potential host vehicles for a TC for full-time living and a diesel engine was the assumed powerplant. Is there some reason to avoid this if I want to visit Central America? Is there some sort of workaround?
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2017
    Older diesel engines are just fine on the 500 PPM sulfur.

    DPF and DEF coaches do require ULSD (15 PPM sulfur).

    Look at the dash and/or by the fuel fill. If it requires ULSD, it will say so.
  • AllenTC2's avatar
    AllenTC2
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2017
    I suspect (as I'll be getting something new) that it'll be the latter (a Ford F-450 is what I'm eyeing).

    So in short, I need either a gas engine or an old diesel?
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2017
    AllenTC2 wrote:
    I suspect (as I'll be getting something new) that it'll be the latter (a Ford F-450 is what I'm eyeing).

    So in short, I need either a gas engine or an old diesel?


    Correct!
  • AllenTC2's avatar
    AllenTC2
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2017
    Dang......well, I suppose a gas engine would save some weight and upfront cost. LOL Thanks!
  • Tequila's avatar
    Tequila
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2017
    may not be able to take a F450 into mexico. Regs say you cannot get a permit for any truck with greater than 3500kg (7710 lbs)cargo capacity.
  • moisheh's avatar
    moisheh
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2017
    That reg for 1 ton trucks is not usually enforced. I see lots of F350's and a few F450's. BUT they are towing 5th wheels not carrying truck campers.

    Moisheh
  • DieselBurps's avatar
    DieselBurps
    Explorer
    Sep 07, 2017
    Past Mexico there is not any Ultra low sulfur diesel as required by newer engines, there are work arounds, but they void the warranty

    Personal opinion, but I would choose the Cummins over Ford for this application, much simpler motor and 2 less cylinders
  • Tequila's avatar
    Tequila
    Explorer
    Sep 08, 2017
    Not exactlyy true, 3200 Pemex stations are pumping it as of last March, most along trucking routes on the mainland. The list can be downloaded in Excel format at www.mexicocaravan.com/ulsd.php

    By December 2018, it is supposed to be 100% ULSD. Supposed to be.
  • moisheh's avatar
    moisheh
    Explorer
    Sep 08, 2017
    Until we get some real visuals on the stations I will not believe that 3200 stations are selling ULSD. I hope I am wrong. Tequila: I think that last poster was meaning "past" Mexico. Not in Mexico.

    Moisheh
  • Tequila's avatar
    Tequila
    Explorer
    Sep 09, 2017
    moisheh wrote:
    That reg for 1 ton trucks is not usually enforced. I see lots of F350's and a few F450's. BUT they are towing 5th wheels not carrying truck campers.

    Moisheh


    OH yeah, I just got off the phone with Mike & Terri Chruch, they are being refused entry as I type.

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