Who's Winning the HHO Pissing Contest?

We've all done it knowing full well it's a fruitless effort, but for some reason, we just can't stop ourselves from responding to comments or videos from HHO critics and cynics. Maybe it's the tired, and oftentimes, debunked arguments they apply, or the rude and unflattering manner in which they present their case that causes our blood to boil. Or possibly, it's just a reaction to having our integrity challenged by those who have yet to test theories for themselves. In any event, being called "liars, scam artists and snake oil salesmen," is due cause for righteous indignation, but is it really worth the time and energy to respond to these naysayers, creating pages of circular dialogue that go nowhere? Let's consider the source:

Condemners of HHO generally fall into two categories - failed experimenters and junior scientists. With the former, their desire to wreak havoc on the HHO movement comes from spending a lot of time and money installing a system in their vehicle, to limited or non-existent results. Their inner Ralph Nader emerges with a vengeance to shut down this "scheme." These people could be assisted by the generous nature of HHO-ers, but their egos refuse to let them ask for help.

The latter is brave in his anonymity. Safely tucked away in his parent's basement, this social loser is still hoping the teacher will call on him, proving his superior scientific abilities. To him, HHO experimenters are "morons," wasting their time with "junk science." He beats up on anyone who holds a contrary view, lambasting proven results with blanket statements of "impossibilities." He's the "ding-dong ditcher" of the internet and seriously need to grow up.

So why do we engage these misanthropes? How much accumulated time has been wasted typing out comments and creating video responses? Hours, days, possibly weeks? To what end? Missing valuable family and research time, not to mention the toll it takes on our health in elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

More than likely your well thought out, well-intentioned responses will not succeed in changing minds or one-upping the competition, rather, you'll probably be hit with a barrage of insults. So is it really worth it? I'm finally conceding that, no, it's not.

From here on out, unless constructive and respectful, I vow not to respond to inflammatory comments and videos. The HHO experimenter's path is tough enough without engaging negativity. I'd rather focus on our positive accomplishments and let those who criticize revel in their "superior" intelligence while they idle away fossil fuel in their 19th Century jalopies. Will you join me?

HHO: The Inconvenient Truth

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.