Fed: Ethanol damages lawn mowers, say manufacturers
SYDNEY, Dec 24 AAP - Lawnmower makers have warned petrol laced with ethanol could voidwarranties in a move that will further fuel debate over the additive.
The federal government has refused to regulate ethanol levels in petrol, saying thereis no scientific research to support the move.
But the motoring and boating industries and oil companies have warned it can damage engines.
The world's largest manufacturer of lawnmower engines, Briggs and Stratton, has warnedpetrol in its machines must not contain more than 10 per cent ethanol.
Ethanol caused rubber components in fuel lines to blister and swell, according to Victa,supplier of half of Australia's mowers.
"We've seen the corrosive effect fuel additives have on rubber components - it's anightmare," Victa's technical services manager Joe Camilleri told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Another supplier, Masport Australia, said engines damaged by Ethanol-laced petrol wouldprobably not be covered by warranty.
The biggest supplier of ethanol in petrol is the Manildra group, a substantial donorto the federal Liberal Party.
AAP dmc/tnf
KEYWORD: ETHANOL
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