Filling up at Truck Stops - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pj67coll · #1 08-18-2003, 11:55 PM

I'm currently enduring the B/S in Phoenix with no gas. Trying to figure out how to get some for my almost bone dry Kia.

Can you fill up a Mercedes Diesel at a Truck stop instead of a regular gas station? I mean are the gas nozzels on the pumps used for big rigs the same size as used on diesel pumps at regular gas stations and will they fit a Mercedes Diesel?

So I'm wondering what kind of postion I'd be in with an MB Diesel when this kind of stuff hit's the fan again in future? What if there is a shortage of diesel at gas stations? Are truck stops a feasible substitue and what about filing up with cooking oil in a pinch at the local supermarket?

- Peter.

H-townbenzoboy · #2 08-19-2003, 12:21 AM

Truck stops are among some of the best places to get diesel for your Benz. Since it is used more than regular gas station diesel fuel, there is less of a chance that there will be water or algae in it, and I think I've heard water causes algae in the tank I think. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I think the cetane levels might be a little higher in it too. Although the nozzles are larger than the regular nozzles, I have been able to make them fit in my W126 300SD with some force sometimes. Sometimes, the nozzles will have little "lips" on the top and bottom. If you turn the nozzle sideways, it should be able to fit. Also, be careful, since the diesel nozzle is bigger, the car will fuel up faster, and the diesel comes out at a greater force, and when it tops off, it can spray out, and get on you, I know, I've had experience.

-Joe

Dana B. · #3 08-19-2003, 01:02 AM

Roger on the auto pumps; every truckstop I've ever been to has a diesel car fillup.

For some reason, I prefer Flying J for best prices, but I've also got good diesel at Love's, Pilot and TA (higher prices and ugggh...I think for truckers it stands for something else

)

pj67coll · #4 08-19-2003, 01:39 AM

Well, dieseldiehard. Given what this mess has shown us. No refineries in AZ. Insufficient numbers of tankers. Only two gas lines into the whole state, and after the break is patched the rest fo the line is still just as old and decripit... I have little confidence in the future. I want an alternative and there just doesn't seem to be a better one than a "D" And hell. Despite their sluggishness I'd even be prepared to consider something that predates a 123.

- Peter.

pj67coll · #5 08-19-2003, 01:41 AM

And although I never thougth I'd say this, I'm even prepared to consider something without A/C!

- Peter.

engatwork · #6 08-19-2003, 06:56 AM

Peter I saw the pictures for the lines of gasoline on the news. Were the diesel pumps backed up too?

#7 08-19-2003, 08:46 AM

Probably about 500,000 of the 533,000 miles on my 240D was run on fuel that was put in the tank at truck stops. At least on the 123 cars, the large nozzle fits in the filler neck just fine and fills the tank so fast that I can guarantee that you won't have time to wash the windshield.

Fill your MB diesel at the truck stop and be happy.

Have a great day,

#8 08-19-2003, 09:42 AM

I love truck stops! Quick fills and no problem getting the large diesel fillers in a 123. Just make sure you the end as far in as possible and the sprayback should not be a problem.
First post also asked if filling up with oil from a supermarket would work. It works fine with the 240's or the 300d's from my own experience.
In FL Flying J and TA's are the best places. J's always has a couple of car diesel pumps with the gas pumps, TA's not always but they will have a single side pumping station for RV's off to the side. Use this one and don't take up room that a big rig could be using.

jcyuhn · #9 08-19-2003, 10:11 AM

I can verify the big truck stop nozzles fit the 210 & 124 diesels as well. I have read that a passenger car pump dispenses ~7 gallons/minute while the big rig pumps put out about 27 gallons/minute. I could fill the big tank on my 210 in 1 minute!

- JimY

mplafleur · #10 08-19-2003, 02:45 PM

Quote:

every truckstop I've ever been to has a diesel car fillup

I stopped at one just north of Indianapolis (I think) that didn't have have an auto nozzle.

#11 08-19-2003, 03:36 PM

mplafleur,

I don't think that they meant a small diesel nozzle, they just meant a diesel pump separate from the truck lanes. The large truck nozzles will fit the MB diesel filler necks.

Have a great day,

The Warden · #12 08-19-2003, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LarryBible
The large truck nozzles will fit the MB diesel filler necks.

Not all of them. I stopped at a Beacon and a Petro stop on my way back from L.A. on Sunday, and neither big truck pump would "properly" fit. They both had the little lip on the end; if the lip hadn't been there, they would have gone in without a problem. I still filled from them, though.

I also prefer truckstops when I can...problem is none exist in the Bay Area.

300SDog · #13 08-19-2003, 04:40 PM

Truck stop items worthy of recognition...... you can get all sorts of diesel fuel additives, expert emergency 24/7 advice at mechanic's shop - also wireless internet access, laundry and shower facilities.

Petro offers oil change/tune-up "PM" special that includes injection pump timing at less than $100.... Flying-J has the cleanest facilities and the finest lot lizards..... T/A usually provides the best CB radio shop.

#14 08-19-2003, 05:38 PM

You can also buy high quality oils at truck stops by the gallon. I won't say what kind I buy there (different subject), but my brand is cheaper there than at Autozone.

Also, the 240D may be different, but my W210 won't accomodate the trucker hoses--both Flying J and Petro here have seperate tanks for non-commercial vehicles.

barkford · #15 08-19-2003, 09:25 PM

same experience as the Warden. Sometimes, I'll hit a truck stop with pump nozzles so big with a lip on the end, there's no way I can realistically fill up the w210. The sheer pressure of the fuel in that line would cause a disaster if it's not all the way in. I've lucked out by stopping where most have a "smaller" pump for the passenger vehicles.