off road fuel???
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
In most cases red fuel is just dyed low sulfer diesel, so running it poses no risk to your engine (unless you have an 08 with the 6.4 which must run ULSD). However, Ford does state in it's manual not to run dyed fuel, so you could run into warranty problems if you are caught running it. Not to mention the legal issues that you may get into running dyed fuel on the road.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 365
Likes: 0
From: Alberta, Canada
Ford did issue a notice after Katrina about off road or indutrial diesel use in the 6.0. The off road fuel is a higher sulfur content fuel (>500ppm). This is what is said:
Emergency Use of Off Road Fuel:
The EPA has issued a temporary waiver for the use of high-sulfur off road diesel fuel in vehicles being driven on the road in some areas of the US. This is in response to shortages resulting from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Using high sulfur fuels (over 500 ppm sulfur) can cause engine damage. It is recommended that oil change intervals be shortened by 50 percent (mileage or operating hours)when high sulfur fuel is being used to help prevent damage. Broadcast Message 4952/53.
So be aware of what kind of fuel you are using and what it's sulfur content is.
Emergency Use of Off Road Fuel:
The EPA has issued a temporary waiver for the use of high-sulfur off road diesel fuel in vehicles being driven on the road in some areas of the US. This is in response to shortages resulting from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Using high sulfur fuels (over 500 ppm sulfur) can cause engine damage. It is recommended that oil change intervals be shortened by 50 percent (mileage or operating hours)when high sulfur fuel is being used to help prevent damage. Broadcast Message 4952/53.
So be aware of what kind of fuel you are using and what it's sulfur content is.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 8
From: Over Yonder, MN
The dyed fuel is not taxed; it’s intended for off the road use, mostly on farms. Running it on the street is illegal.
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
It doesn't include road taxes so it is only to be used in off road vehicles like farm tractors or construction equipment. During the diesel shortage after Katrina they allowed the use of dyed fuel in trucks in order to alleviate the shortages, but I believe that was only in effect for a couple months. I believe you may be able to use dyed fuel in a farm truck if it is only used for farm purposes but I cannot guarantee that.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,548
Likes: 77
From: Manhattan, KS
If you used dyed diesel in on road use truck, even a "farm" truck you would be liable for the fuel tax, and/or fines. If a farmer has a truck the is only used off road they can run the dyed fuel in that. An example might be a truck with a feed wagon that is used in a feed lot and it never leaves the farm.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
That's exactly right around here. The only exception I've seen is for non-profit organizations. For example, local volunteer fire companies use it in their trucks because it's cheaper (non-taxed).
Last edited by IB Tim; Apr 21, 2007 at 07:32 AM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 3
From: Eastern CT.
A few weeks back I talked to a guy that had a 05' F-350, 6.0 in it ,,and all he has run in it is the red fuel,,thats 2 yrs now,,but at the time he only had 7,500 miles on the truck,,and on his 2nd turbo.,,I said to him,,well it's good to know the 6.0 will run on it,,,but I will stick with the legal stuff !
He was told by his oil man,,,it all comes from the same tank when they fill up his oil delivery truck,,,just if it's home heating or off road fuel they dump in the dye !
He was told by his oil man,,,it all comes from the same tank when they fill up his oil delivery truck,,,just if it's home heating or off road fuel they dump in the dye !
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
Originally Posted by m350
He was told by his oil man,,,it all comes from the same tank when they fill up his oil delivery truck,,,just if it's home heating or off road fuel they dump in the dye !
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 3
From: Peoria, IL
I understand I would love to get free fuel, but you need to realize we are talking about thousands of dollars in fines not a couple hundred. And I think in some states they can even confiscate your vehicle.
04Xcursion, I'm pretty sure off road fuel has been switched over to LSD (less than 500ppm) for a couple years now. And they have to be switched over to ULSD by 2010 for pretty much everything except for trains (2012).
04Xcursion, I'm pretty sure off road fuel has been switched over to LSD (less than 500ppm) for a couple years now. And they have to be switched over to ULSD by 2010 for pretty much everything except for trains (2012).
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,628
Likes: 4,711
From: Itinerant
Originally Posted by kovacik76
well when the fuel is free and you fill up every 3 days, its kind of hard to turn down
