CARB Diesel and Ethanol

[macdaddy]

Looks like the CARB queers are trying to slip this one buy#@$%!. I talked with our OP&A staff (ConocoPhillips), and was told we do not blend any (Ethanol) with our over the road CARB diesel (76 Brand).



This came up because I found a "Contains Ethanol" sticker on a diesel pump at a Mobil station. It turns out after investigating the issue that certain pollution laws regarding diesel in marine applications are required and not the over the road blend.



Blending ethanol oxygenates the diesel just like a gasoline motor, however I am not sure what negative impacts this might have on our CTD's. I plan on calling Cummins to find out though.



So when filling up in Calif pay attn to the labels on the pump. I know that 76 doesnt use it. I know I know I was biting the hand that feeds me, but no more Mobil Diesel. Seems that at the very least Mobil is pushing for more profit in cutting their diesel with ethanol, being only required by law for marine use.



Mac

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

The traditional advantages of diesel fuels just slowly keep being eliminated, one by one, it seems - pretty soon, we might as well de driving gassers... #@$%!

 

[macdaddy]

I called Cummins in Columbus and asked if it is permissible. The Tech said it (Ethanol) leads to premature wear in the injectors. He went on to say that the HPCR motors are only good for 5% Biodiesel.



I thought everyone was using way more of a percentage than that.



Now I know I dont use anything green in my truck (got to keep those oil workers happy). But I dont know what gives with the ethnol?. I know i'll be keeping an eye out for it now.



Mac

 

[rscurtis]

Any chance you're looking at a mis-labeled pump?

 

[macdaddy]

Any chance you're looking at a mis-labeled pump?

I went back yesterday to verify the sticker and to see if the pump was indeed mislabeled turns out it is labeled correctly. I talked with the station manager.



I also did a follow up with our OP&A staff on site and it turns out there should NOT be any Ethanol in either the EPA,or the CARB Mid Barrel blends. I also found out that the price of ethanol is low right now and makes for more profit when selling both blends of over the road diesel.



There is also a danger when either loading or off loading the fuel during transport.



I will keep up with this and update as I get more info.



Mac