ULSD rant

AKwelder · Mar 2, 2011

It just came up today that the companies with Diesel trucks in the oil fields here have decided that it is easier to start buying gasoline trucks then work with the ULSD engine problems . They have NO gasoline trucks or the infrastructure to fuel them, but the problems on the particulate filters and injection make keeping the diesel trucks warm and running impossible. So they are going to install what they need to allow them to buy gasoline trucks and avoid the problems

BP just returned 150 plus newly leased diesel trucks and wants gasoline replacements. There are thousands of trucks on the North Slope, and now they are looking at a complete phase out of diesel trucks.

The truckers bringing the big loads over the mountain passes are also reporting that the system regeneration kicking in at the wrong time has become scary. One friend said he was pushing 120K pounds and just reached the top when the regeneration kicked in and he lost power. He said he would have spun out or worse if it had happen just a minute earlier.

So now they are using MORE Fuel to do the same work. The trucks are becoming unusable, what a mess

Gale Hawkins · Mar 2, 2011

With a lot more time and money they will overcome these issues. Diesels are not going way but I think any diesel engine owner would agree for stop and go use in small trucks that diesel would not be ideal on the North Slope unless you have 120 volts where you stop.

Argosy · Mar 2, 2011

I thought you were talking about pickups, then I read 120,000 lbs. Where are they finding gas powered trucks that will haul that kind of weight? The new diesels might need some tweaking, but they haven't seen anything until they try that with gas.

Baby Grand · Mar 2, 2011

Ha-ha-ha! That's rich. Use a gas job to do a diesel's work. Oh, it hurts to laugh this hard. I think some posturing is going on to force a change in the ULSD policy - either change the trucks or change the regulations.

I worked for a lumber company in the 70's. We had Macks with little Scania I-6 diesels and 2 Fords with huge, V-8 gas power. The gas engines were a joke. Even with a 20 speed tranny they could barely crest a hill with a moderate load. I remember singing "I Love a Parade" at the top of my lungs as the engine moaned and the horn chorus from the string of angry motorists behind me grew to a crescendo. It took no small amount of skill to drop that slug into the low range without losing momentum when the grades got really steep.

chopped · Mar 2, 2011

'Progress' gotta love it..I now drive a 13 year old car with twice plus the engine as my 5 year old car had. All because the govt has flunked it on inspection(emmision), It would be one thing if they could say just what part was bad. but I spend 650 dollars already and no luck. So Ill keep burning double the gas and polluting .YAY>>> with more power too.

Newblue · Mar 2, 2011

Sad but I had to spend another $1500 to overcome these issues on my truck. EGR and DPF delete and my mileage went from 13 to 19. Another bad thing is that it's not legal to do this in all states.

20 20 · Mar 2, 2011

the BS the beaurocrats are pulling on the diesel engine is assinine.

wvpolekat · Mar 2, 2011

AKwelder said:
The truckers bringing the big loads over the mountain passes are also reporting that the system regeneration kicking in at the wrong time has become scary. One friend said he was pushing 120K pounds and just reached the top when the regeneration kicked in and he lost power. He said he would have spun out or worse if it had happen just a minute earlier.

They need to learn their equipment then. On the new Macks we got for plow trucks, you can delay it so many times or for so long. It doesn't just happen.

Diamondpilot · Mar 2, 2011

It really has nothing to do with ULSD. Its the emissions crap that is on these engines. I would love to have a new F-350 but have just decided to wait till one of two things happen. They get the truck more reliable or the aftermarket comes up with a real fix. Just have to keep my 06 and keep on trucking.

Chris