important Fuel Cell safety notice MUST READ!!!

[addictionMS]

Aircraft Rubber Manufacturing, Inc. / Fuel Safe Systems
250 SE Timber Avenue, Redmond Oregon 97756
Tel: (541) 923-6005 Order Desk: (800) 433-6524 Fax: (541) 923-6015
Internet: www.aircraftrubber.com & www.fuelsafe.com

Jerry Kunzman

Urgent Fire Safety Message

From: Fuel Safe

Date: 7/21/04

Re: Race Fuel Effects on all Fuel System Components

Dear Competitors:

It has come to Fuel Safe's attention that certain new race fuels may have an exaggerated degenerative effect on most fuel system rubber parts. The situation reportedly was initiated by the introduction of ethanol oxygenates, but Fuel Safe is not convinced these octane enhancers are the cause.



We urge you, as competitors, to examine your fuel hoses, rubber seals, flapper valves and, above all, fuel cell bladders for any signs of swell, blistering or fabric/rubber delamination?

These ill-effects seem to have manifested themselves among the entire range of rubber products and manufacturers. Hence, we highly recommend that all race teams closely examine their \"elastomeric\" fuel system components in the interest of fire safety.

Fuel Safe has set up an inspection station at its Redmond Oregon Plant offering no-charge evaluations of its customers' fuel cells, foam baffling, seals and valves. Your Fuel Safe contact is Harold Lawrence at 800-433-6524 and his extension is 240.

While there is no known \"fix\" for rubber deterioration, Mr. Lawrence will promptly assess and advise the options on a case-by-case basis.

Best regards from Fuel Safe.


important notice to Fuel Safe customers and distributors

Unleaded Race Fuel With Ethanol

Many States in the USA have recently banned the use of the octane enhancer \"MTBE\" in unleaded gasoline formulations. Major oil companies are now replacing the MTBE \"oxygenate\" with an alternative anti-knock additive known as \"ethanol\" or \"ethyl alcohol\". Most of these new gasoline blends end up as 85 to 90% unleaded gasoline and 10 to 15% ethyl alcohol (ethanol). Europe and Asia are expected to follow suit and introduce their own ethanol oxygenated gasoline formulations.

Typically fuel-system components such as hoses, pump diaphragms, seals, filters and fuel cell bladders are specifically designed for either gasoline or alcohol, but not both. Some of these components may suffer exaggerated degenerative effects from higher alcohol concentrations.

Also significant is the fact that gasoline and alcohol do not mix well, and with exposure to low temperatures, water, and gravity, they may experience \"phase-separation\". The heavier alcohol may sink to the bottom of a bladder, while the lighter gasoline portion may float to the top. This could effectively increase alcohol concentrations.

It is Fuel Safe's opinion that elevated alcohol concentrations could damage gasoline-type fuel bladders. As of this writing, Fuel Safe knows of no accidents or leaks caused by damage from ethyl alcohol, but the company is taking a pro-active stance, and you can help:

1.) Fuel Safe suggests that racers drain the fuel bladder after each
race or practice.

2.) Fuel Safe encourages teams or individuals to frequently inspect
all of your fuel system components, including the bladder's interior, for any sign of fraying, wrinkling or blistering.

Fuel Safe also has a toll-free contact, Mr. Harold Lawrence, 800-433-6524 ext. 240 whom can receive, inspect, and evaluate any competitor's Fuel Safe fuel bladder at no charge.


Please spread the word about ethanol and fuel system components to your fellow racers. Also, please report any negative inspection findings to the component manufacturer and also to the fuel supplier.

Aircraft Rubber Manufacturing, Inc. / Fuel Safe Systems
250 SE Timber Avenue, Redmond Oregon 97756
Tel: (541) 923-6005 Order Desk: (800) 433-6524 Fax: (541) 923-6015
Internet: www.aircraftrubber.com & www.fuelsafe.com

Fuel Safe Systems and ARM Rotomolding are Divisions of Aircraft Rubber Manufacturing, Inc.

[kach22i]

Originally posted by addictionMS
Typically fuel-system components such as hoses, pump diaphragms, seals, filters and fuel cell bladders are specifically designed for either gasoline or alcohol, but not both. Some of these components may suffer exaggerated degenerative effects from higher alcohol concentrations.

No more using Ultra 94 with ethanol?