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Diesel in Baja.


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#1 RONR

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Posted 14 January 2020 - 08:30 PM

I’ve just returned from a short trip to Baja late November in my gas F150. Pretty much the same itinerary as KMacintyre posted back in 2017. Kevin was good enough to include his experience with the diesel fuel in Baja and he reported no problems with his late model Dodge which requires ULSD.

There is quite a bit of talk on the internet regarding Baja and late model diesels. I’ve seen Ted (Ed) White’s posts including his latest from 2018 where he reported that Baja, including Baja Sur, now fully has ULSD. However other posts, not so recent, tell horror stories about late model diesel vehicles having significant problems because the fuel was not ULSD.

Pemex will not acknowledge if individual stations or areas pump ULSD. There are Mexican regulations that require ULSD in certain metro areas, transportation corridors and border areas with US. But again Pemex will not acknowledge the specific stations.

Confusion is also caused by the Mexican government which had required ALL highway diesel in Mexico to be ULSD starting in 2019. But Pemex sued the government and it appears the government has just recently moved back the 2019 requirement several years because the Pemex refineries have not been refitted to produce ULSD. To enforce the 2019 ULSD requirement would require a huge import of ULSD from the US and other countries that have refineries that produce ULSD.

From what I have read and people I have spoke to I believe that the diesel in Baja is imported from the US and it is ULSD. But it stands to reason that there is still concern by folks about driving to Baja in a very expensive vehicle when no one in Baja from Pemex executives to the station employee pumping the fuel will tell you (or know) what it is.

So my reason for making this long story even longer is to ask a simple question:

What are the experiences of people who have actually been down to Baja recently with their late model diesels? Any problems? If so, where(if you can pin it down) and when?
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#2 smlobx

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Posted 15 January 2020 - 12:56 AM

I have no direct experience to contribute but my understanding is pretty much what you stated.

My understanding is that the ULSD is refined in the US and that’s the reason that most ULSD is available in the North.

I have also read that the Mexican government has made it possible for American companies to open up distribution facilities in Mexico (so that Pemex is not a monopoly) but the stealing of fuel from supply lines is causing issues...


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#3 buckland

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Posted 17 January 2020 - 01:12 AM

I have been assured that the diesel is available. Get on the BAJA Nomads site and check the status

http://forums.bajanomad.com


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2016 Duramax 2.8 Diesel long bed Colorado 4WD with 2011 Eagle

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#4 RONR

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Posted 17 January 2020 - 06:43 PM

Thanks to you both.

As for fuel stations in general, I can confirm that there are stations other than Pemex in both Mexicali and the Ensenada corridor. I don’t remember what was in San Felipe. Farther south on both 1 and 3 I don’t recall seeing anything but Pemex. But I could have missed some in Guerrero Negro because we were focused on getting fuel at Villa Jesus Maria which is Pemex.

Yes I’ve been on Baja Nomad, Baja Bound and pretty much the rest of them but there is always some disagreement when it comes to Baja Sur. However I’m confident Baja (Norte) is ULSD. In other words from the US border to Guerrero Negro is ULSD.

I was just hoping for my fellow homies on WTW who have real experience with late model diesels to chime in.

Thanks again!

Ron.
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#5 smlobx

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Posted 13 December 2023 - 12:54 PM

Bringing this topic back up in case there have been any further direct experiences with obtaining ULSD in Baja.

If you’ve been down there recently please update this thread as “The Boss” has given me a directive to find out.

Thanks in advance!


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Eddie
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#6 buckland

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Posted 13 December 2023 - 02:00 PM

I went to the tip 2/23, both coasts... as long as you use Pemex... you will be fine. The other stations one is never sure. I also carried 6 extra gallons just in case but actually brought it home (used in the tractor too). Remember to tip the attendants ... as is the tradition. Most assure you and show you the meter is set to zero... quite considerate.


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2016 Duramax 2.8 Diesel long bed Colorado 4WD with 2011 Eagle

Lordwoodcraft  instagram        Rob
The only people who ever get anyplace interesting are the people who get lost.
Henry David Thoreau
"Work to achieve not to acquire"

 


#7 smlobx

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Posted 13 December 2023 - 07:05 PM

Thanks!

Everything I’ve read recently is pointing to what you said.


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Eddie
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#8 Vic Harder

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Posted 13 December 2023 - 08:58 PM

I went to the tip 2/23, both coasts... as long as you use Pemex... you will be fine. The other stations one is never sure. I also carried 6 extra gallons just in case but actually brought it home (used in the tractor too). Remember to tip the attendants ... as is the tradition. Most assure you and show you the meter is set to zero... quite considerate.

What is an appropriate tip amount?


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#9 buckland

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Posted 13 December 2023 - 09:36 PM

The exchange rate is not about 18 pesos to 1 dollar but it generally is 20:1. I generally gave 10-20 pesos depending. Note it's been a year and inflation .... so might want to check the Baja blogs before you go.


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2016 Duramax 2.8 Diesel long bed Colorado 4WD with 2011 Eagle

Lordwoodcraft  instagram        Rob
The only people who ever get anyplace interesting are the people who get lost.
Henry David Thoreau
"Work to achieve not to acquire"

 


#10 Wandering Sagebrush

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Posted 13 December 2023 - 09:55 PM

What is an appropriate tip amount?

Great question, and a tradition I was unaware of.


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