Mexican Diesel & Sulfur....

[KEENO]

I just returned from a month in Mexico w/ my First Gen.....



The ole Girl sure seemed to love the increased Sulfur content in Mexican Diesel. The VE44 was all smiles ! It was a noticeable difference.



The concern is the cost of Fuel in Mexico due to Pemex monopoly on Diesel & gasolina in the country.



Anyone else ever have a similar experience?



KEENO

 

[keimmmo]

I have spent the majority of my time in Mexico for the past 15 years. I have noticed that both of my diesels get better economy and seem to have more power on Mexican fuel... but NOT enough to justify the approximately $2. 00 per gallon they charge for it!!! They seem to smoke a little more too.



As expensive as diesel is, the gasoline situation is WORSE!!! No-lead regular runs around $2. 40 per gallon! The quality is fairly good anymore, but only a few years ago the BEST you could get was only 81 octane!



Steve

 

[Grey Wolf]

I used to go down there in the '70's with my Diesel and it was only 11 cents a gallon It ran real good too because it had more oil in it!

 

[keimmmo]

I'm not sure what the sulfur content is of Mexican diesel. I know they are reducing it for the sake of emissions, just like in the States. They are probably behind US standards, but the fuel certainly does not have the sulfur it used to!



I have noticed that it IS heavier and more oily than American fuel! The new filling stations being built do not have extra filters... just like in the States. Some of the old stations still have the old centrifugal filters they used for years to clean the fuel before selling it. Those stations are famous for adding engine drain oil to the fuel! After they filter it, there is no hint of a color change. That fuel REALLY runs good!



The Mexican government is getting more strict with it's laws. Years ago, it was common practice for dishonest station owners to cut the more expensive gasoline with the cheap diesel! I have bought "gasoline" that would not readily evaporate and even felt oily... cut with diesel. That fuel would raise blue clouds of smoke and create spark knock problems like you wouldn't imagine!!!



Steve

 

[KEENO]

Thanks for the replys!



I noticed a small reduction in power from the first tank of Winterized US Diesel that was bought in Texas. I did have a bit more smoke w/ the Mexican Diesel but I attributed this increased elevation in the Copper Canyon area of the state Chihuahua than the actual fuel.



Mexican fuel used to be the brunt of many jokes (for good reason!) but today's fuel seems to be top quality. I took an extra fuel filter w/ me as a precaution but never used it.



Good Stuff.....



KEENO