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Ethanol Marine Lawsuit
BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Exxon-Mobil, Shell Oil, and Tower Energy are
being sued by a Florida boat owner who is trying to make it a class action for
problems allegedly (read likely) caused by the Ethanol that was added under
rules issued by the state of Florida.
This after similar lawsuits in California.
In this case the Ethanol is said to have damaged the fiberglass fuel tanks on
many boats. It is understood that Ethanol will soften, breakdown, and dissolve
certain types of fiberglass. This liberated fiberglass can then be carried by
the fuel into the engine, damaging fuel pumps, carburetors, fuel injectors,
intake systems, intake and exhaust valves, and so on.
These tanks can be damaged to the point of affecting their ability to hold fuel,
resulting in leaking and the potential for fire and or explosion.
Also, consider that as these tanks are damaged by the ethanol they can be
weakened to the point that it can have a material effect on hull and deck
integrity.
Removing and replacing tanks can easily range from thousands to tens of
thousands of dollars often approaching and even exceeding the value of the boat.
Furthermore the damage to fuel systems and or engines can be equally
catastrophic.
However, the more significant question may be, if a government entity forces a
private corporation(s) to alter their product against their will to meet a legal
regulation or specification (note: the oil companies went to court in an effort
to overturn the requirements to add ethanol and they lost), are these companies
then responsible for damages caused by these changes.
Ethanol is reported to damage rubber components like o-rings and hoses, plastic
tanks and fuel system components, aluminum, brass, copper and other "soft"
metals.
We should also consider the damage being done to snowmobiles, motorcycles,
lawnmowers, all 2 cycle engines, all seasonal equipment, to say nothing of all
the non-flex fuel automobiles and trucks being fueled with ethanol blended
gasoline's.
No good has ever or will ever come from politicians playing chemist. You cannot
legislate chemistry.
Who will be responsible for the hundreds of millions in damages being done every
day by these fuels?
Diesel Doctor
Copyright 2009©
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