RED diesel fuel at truck stop - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

H-townbenzoboy · #1 10-25-2005, 08:27 PM

I've learned at this forum that red dyed diesel fuel is untaxed farm use fuel only, well today, I went to fuel up at a truck stop, and I noticed when filling up to the rim of the fuel tank that instead of the usual yellowish green color I get from other truck stops, this fuel was red. That means I probably have untaxed fuel in my tank, purchased from a truck stop, which I paid taxes for, or else this station treats their fuel with some red additive. Which do you believe, and has this happened to you?

-Joe

jaoneill · #2 10-25-2005, 08:32 PM

that there has been some temporary relaxation of the rules concerning red juice due to the recent hurricanes. If it is any consulation, I doubt that your MB will notice the difference.

Jim

J. R. B. · #3 10-25-2005, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

I've learned at this forum that red dyed diesel fuel is untaxed farm use fuel only, well today, I went to fuel up at a truck stop, and I noticed when filling up to the rim of the fuel tank that instead of the usual yellowish green color I get from other truck stops, this fuel was red. That means I probably have untaxed fuel in my tank, purchased from a truck stop, which I paid taxes for, or else this station treats their fuel with some red additive. Which do you believe, and has this happened to you?

-Joe

Do an acurate check on your mileage with this tankfull. This summer I sneaked a tank of farm fuel for my Benz and the mileage went up. 30.25 mpg. The engine ran smoother too. Better fuel? Let us know the details.

whunter · #4 10-25-2005, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

I've learned at this forum that red dyed diesel fuel is untaxed farm use fuel only, well today, I went to fuel up at a truck stop, and I noticed when filling up to the rim of the fuel tank that instead of the usual yellowish green color I get from other truck stops, this fuel was red. That means I probably have untaxed fuel in my tank, purchased from a truck stop, which I paid taxes for, or else this station treats their fuel with some red additive. Which do you believe, and has this happened to you?

-Joe

You must decide whether to CYA and report this to the store owner, and DOT.
If they sample your tank = you still get fined.
http://www.epa.gov/oalj/orders/lyons.htm

H-townbenzoboy · #5 10-25-2005, 09:04 PM

Well, when I saw that red stuff, I said to myself "that's the good stuff, but is it worth reporting to the authorities? If I do, I'll get fined, but being taxed a little for untaxed fuel sure beats getting a big fine for having my tank sampled. I'll just keep my mouth shut and cruise on." I"ll report MPG readings to you to see if there is any noticeable difference.

Maybe I ought to buy a 5 gallon diesel fuel container, go back to the truck stop, fill it up, and keep it at home and put in a few ounces before fillup as an "additive." Hmmmm...

J. R. B. · #6 10-25-2005, 09:22 PM

What are the nob-head inspectors going to do with the guys who put AT fluid or Marvel Mystery oil in their tanks for an additive? Better yet what are they going to do when their sample is black because the guy burns used crankcase oil?

R Leo · #7 10-25-2005, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. R. B.

What are the nob-head inspectors going to do with the guys who put AT fluid or Marvel Mystery oil in their tanks for an additive? Better yet what are they going to do when their sample is black because the guy burns used crankcase oil?

They're gonna fine 'yo a** anyway because obscuring the ability to determine if the fuel is or isn't exempt is illegal too.

J. R. B. · #8 10-25-2005, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R Leo

They're gonna fine 'yo a** anyway because obscuring the ability to determine if the fuel is or isn't exempt is illegal too.

Hopefully by 2007 I'll be crushing my own rapeseed then they can kiss my a$$.

Tirebiter · #9 10-25-2005, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. R. B.

What are the nob-head inspectors going to do with the guys who put AT fluid or Marvel Mystery oil in their tanks for an additive? Better yet what are they going to do when their sample is black because the guy burns used crankcase oil?

The red dye used in untaxed diesel is specifically made for that purpose so forget about saying it is colored from Marvel or ATF. The "eyeball" test is backed up by a lab analysis to perfect prosecution.

Refluxing the stuff while in a boiling flask with decolorizing carbon works, but DAMN

Right now the feds have relaxed the law on the dyed diesel and are allowing it to be used in some needy areas. Truckers carrying goods for FEMA are exempted too.

Hmmmm. If you filled up a few carboys and held on to your receipt... who could tell if, years later, you got tested and failed?

BluEyes · #10 10-25-2005, 11:56 PM

Are you sure there wasn't a sign? I know I saw a gas station in MT that advertised regular diesel, and red diesel. Price was much lower, so I was tempted, but decided to drive on by...

I have been told that the 'offroad' diesel has added sulfur in addition to the red dye. Supposed to make it easier for a cop to 'sniff you out' (hehehe) if you are trying to cheat.
Of course, that also adds to air pollution, so farmers are inadvertently adding to acid rain, but it can make older diesels happeer because they were designed when fuel has more sulfur than today.

I would be concerned about possible legal problems if you get checked. Probably low odds being a car, but...
Ask the station manager, and try to take some extra trips in the coming weeks. Try to run the tank pretty low to dilute everything as much as possible when you get your next fillup which will hopefully be with legal stuf.

burndup · #11 10-26-2005, 12:14 PM

I'm shocked (well, no, not really) that our government would waste time and money to go after someone with a passenger car for this bullsheet. Big rig sure, but nothing less. I realise they need to keep an eye on areas of missed taxation revenue, but come on...

Pete Burton · #12 10-26-2005, 12:27 PM

Years ago I used to fuel up at a place that sold cheap diesel. I imagine they were using untaxed fuel. At the time, I didn't know what the dye was for, but I know that they had red fuel for quite some time.

Jim Anderson · #13 10-26-2005, 01:33 PM

Get reciept for the fuel as evidence/defence just in case.

Tiredofagasser · #14 10-26-2005, 01:51 PM

I thought red was kero anyway!

I get sooo confused with all this red, green, yellow, #1, and #2 stuff. I just found a place nearby that sells #1 and #2. The attendant said that #1 has kero in it and #2 is straight diesel. First I thought- Kero in the diesel? Then- I won't tell if you don't!

I got the #1 'cause I felt like I was cheating the feds and like a little danger in my life

and they only wanted .05 more per gal @ 3.06. I also found a place that has clear kero. You think I should visit there sometime with a few empty containers? Or just go at nite with one 21 gal. "can" The pump is 'round back

#15 10-26-2005, 03:58 PM

Red diesel is listed as "High Sulfur Diesel" and lets just say (not that I run it

) that the engine REALLY likes it.

If I go to the local pump station (pretty fresh fuel) my car looses a reasonable amount of power. You can tell the red stuff was what diesel used to be like

It "should" smoke a bit more *cough it does a little* but I think its related to my injectors being unbalanced. I'll report back after I change out with my rebuilds.

I guess if I run offroad untaxed fuel, that means I need to drive my car off the road right?

I'd never hear the end of it