HHO: The Inconvenient Truth

[hhoconnection]

EPAMAN2009 writes in response to one of my YouTube videos:

"Did you know that under Title 42, section 203b of the Clean Air Act it is illegal:
for any person to manufacture or sell, or offer to sell, or install, any part or component intended for use with, or as part of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine, where a principal effect of the part or component is to bypass, defeat, or render inoperative any device...."

He continues to site the code in four subsequent posts, apparently in an attempt to dissuade myself and others from pursuing our HHO goals. Which led me to wonder: Why would someone concern themselves to this extent? What is the motivation?

Maybe EPAMAN is actually with the Environmental Protection Agency and he's just doing his job. Perhaps he's being paid by an interest group, or worse, he's had a bad HHO experience. In any event, EPAMAN brings up a good point: Installing an HHO generator on your vehicle is, according to the EPA, illegal for road use. A fact that is certainly inconvenient to those of us experimenting and researching the development and uses of HHO fuel.

It seems counter-intuitive for an agency like the EPA to limit progress on a readily available gas that could potentially relieve our dependence on foreign fuel imports and reduce vehicle emissions. Just as it seems counter-productive for those of us involved with HHO to make a lot of baseless claims about its efficacy.

Sadly, there are HHO enthusiasts out there who are unwittingly contributing to the notion that HHO is an improbable and unsafe fuel. These are the guys who continue to promote dangerous glass jar set-ups, or make generalized fuel-efficiency claims that have not endured the test of time - especially on newer vehicles with smart computers that automatically adjust to HHO's interference. Each time an uninformed consumer tries and fails to get the same results, HHO is condemned as a fraud. And, we who research and develop HHO products, who believe in the possible benefits, are equated to snake oil salesman, unconcerned about safety, only looking to make a buck, etc.

Truth be known, we still don't have a clear picture of just how beneficial HHO will be as a fuel supplement, and to what products the fuel can be applied. Research and experimentation by mechanics, entrepreneurs and groups such as EBN (Energy Builder's Network), have led to advances in HHO's development. Advances that one day could lead to HHO gas being substituted in products that depend on other combustible fuels, like: vehicles, torches (welding, glass blowing, jewelry, etc.), stoves and portable home heaters. But, any advances must come from serious testing and long-term documentation in order to receive the government's blessing.

There are those who have pled the case to government - and won. In recent litigation between the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) v. Dutchman Enterprises LLC., the United Community Services of America, Inc. and Dennis Lee, the court ruled against the FTC after it was revealed that their witness, a physicist, had not bought and tested the defendant's "Hydrogen Assist Fuel Cell" kit. It probably wasn't helpful either that the physicist, Dr. Halperin, didn't actually possess a Ph.D in engine technology.

The FTC can still appeal this verdict, possibly at the insistence of people like EPAMAN2009. And, while the defense enjoyed the weakness of the government's case, you can bet litigation will follow those that make baseless claims or provide faulty data. That's why it's critical that claims are based on factual, long-term results and that HHO products are safe, reliable and adhere to the standards of The International HHO Institute (IHHOI).

The IHHOI is a developing organization that is currently in talks with the best and brightest of the HHO movement to organize membership, and to create strict operating and safety standards. Once the IHHOI is in full operation, it will be the voice of the HHO industry, providing private and public entities with information based on a body of knowledge. Stay tuned for details regarding membership and certification.

Whether you're a garage tinkerer or a fully operating HHO provider, you must know and understand your limitations under our current, inconvenient laws. Maybe people like EPAMAN2009 should be thanked for pointing these laws out - regardless of motivation. Because until HHO developers unite and organize to implement procedural and safety standards, our cause will not appear legitimate and we risk facing the end of HHO entirely.

[Dave Nowlin]

I am injecting HHO into a Ford diesel. I haven't done anything to fool the computer or modify it's actions. Therefore, I'm confused as to why what I have done might be illegal. Is it illegal to add diesel fuel additives as bought in auto parts stores or Wal-Mart? It is regularly done all over the country. In fact Ford has a cetane boost additive that they sell. Is it illegal? It is burned in the combustion process just like the HHO is. What about bio-diesel, is it illegal as it isn't produced in a refinery that is government regulated? What about all the folks driving around diesel pickups with programmers? Many of them defeat the EGR system. What about the guy who puts 22 inch wheels on his truck? You now exert more leverage on the braking sytem than it was originally designed to handle. What about folks with lift kits in their vehicles? There are many vehicles on America's roads which have been modified to a different standard than OEM. Are they all illegal? Big brother really has a job on his hands if they are.

Dave Nowlin

[hhoconnection]

All good points but I don't make the rules Dave. I honestly think that environmental impact has nothing to do with it. I think if an aftermarket product has the potential of taking money away from big oil then it becomes a target, especially if it works! Let's get them on our side by making quality products and proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that HHO works.