Response on why CARB "conspired" with auto makers on E85 parts

I spoke to someone at AQMD about the CARB issue -- where they agreed not to approve E85 conversions.

The logic is: When E85 was being introduced, OEMs started using parts designed for the fuel, but they phased the parts in, so some models have parts that are, and aren't E85 safe because they didn't need to be at the time of manufacture. As E85 continued, all OEM replacement parts were E85-rated which is why the catalogs quote the same part numbers.

Also, for vehicles that were unofficially E85-safe when they were made, but are old enough to be out of warranty, it cannot be assumed their fuel systems have not been repaired by a non-dealer using non-OEM parts or parts rebuilt with non-E85 components. Many after-market parts are designed on the originals and look the same but were not E85-safe, so even careful inspection can lead to missed non-OEM parts.

Used vehicles may have been so repaired without the current owner's knowledge, and E85 conversion may be unsafe as a result.

They err on the side of safety. If just one or two older vehicles are converted and their fuel systems fail, it would give alternative fuel use a black mark and hinder the effort.

So, there it is. Take it for what it's worth.

At the L.A. Auto Show, I did see an "HH2" system that has CARB certification, so they do approve something. Maybe this one is easier to approve because it doesn't really alter the fuel system, just adds hydrogen to the air intake as a combustion enhancer.

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nathan Campbell on November 28, 2008 at 10:29am: I believe they don't want people finding out that E85(105 octane) is a better fuel than premium(91 octane). There are probably plenty of people who have their cars tuned to run 100octane gasoline at the track(at least $7/gallon) who would love to pay less than the price of regular gas for the same high octane performance.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Hugh Hemington on November 29, 2008 at 10:01am: CARB provided a grant for an E85 station in Brentwood -- the first of five in the grant program. I don't think they're trying to keep anyone from knowing about E85. I would not expect high ethanol blends to spread quickly here in California since we have no local or regional ethanol industry, and don't reap the benefits of the subsidies on corn and ethanol.

If there is a conspiracy going on, I think it's just the same government intransigence we see in most government -- the kind that comes from a bureaucracy that after a time, exists mainly for its own sake.

Of all the fuel used in our country, and in California specifically, the amount used in racing is not significant. Besides, the track near me is a drag strip (Pomona), and I believe they use mainly ethanol already. Of course, their engines only need to run 1/4 mile before blowing up.

I hope whatever happens with energy independence, people are not forced to give up their "fun" cars -- the ones they fuss over and drive once a month. It's nice to bust loose and celebrate the days of 25cent gas once in a while. The muscle-car just isn't part of our commuting future.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nathan Campbell on December 1, 2008 at 12:11pm: California industry is small based on the population, but growing. Look at the map at http://www.ethanolrfa.org/industry/locations/; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by 52Churches.com on November 29, 2008 at 4:08pm: Well most of us can't imagine America without GM and Ford. And I think if our only choice for cheap automobiles ends up being Japanese it will be the last nail in the coffin for American jobs. But the Bailouts have to be loans and the employees need to fire the CEO's, COO's, CFO's, etc. and take the companies over themselves. They could elect a leader who wouldn't cost them an extra dime. Then in GM's case they need to get rid of so many different brands and focus on Cadillac for the luxury market and Chevy for the electric market. All cars should be able to switch to electric power for in town and whenever they are moving they are recharging the batteries!!

Thank You, Steven Charles, Author: 52 CHURCHES THE BOOK

Now we all need to support and work with Barack and Congress to get things done. Both candidates had some good ideas so Americans need to join together to reduce the amount of money that leaves our country. They both had good ideas but without any money left in "our account" we cannot do any of their ideas. Can we send Iraq a bill? Or just take oil in trade for what we have invested there? It is a lot of money we the taxpayers have spent! And now we can't relax just because the gas prices have temporarily dropped. And I doubt Barack can end the war like he said because terrorist will just move to a new spot and hopefully not over here! But Barack Hussien Obama should be better at getting the countries in the Middle East to join the fight on terror! Most importantly jobs must come back to America and we need to do whatever it takes to make that happen! Barack wants to give a $3000 tax credit (per new person) to companies who hire new employees. So how will that work? Will they fire everybody and start over? And enough with the bailouts and loans. WE DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY PEOPLE!! It's all gone to China, Japan, Venezuela, India, Saudi Arabia, etc. Those countries have been booming!!
So now Barack wants to tax us out of this problem!! Who will he tax when we're all broke!!???
I'm glad most of the sports stars voted for Barack because they can afford to pay up!!
And I cover Abortion, Health Care and the Education issues in my book so I will get back to Energy and Jobs which "our money/loans" could be better used to create both at the same time!!
But if we don't move the National Debt to the top of our problem list, soon nothing else will matter. See how much you owe at:

http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/; ▶ Reply to This