The Cummins piston is from a 2001 5.9B 235 bhp in a 1 ton Dodge truck, with about 5,000 miles since new! The owner was convinced to install a propane "injection" system which lasted less than one month. The installer stated that the system was "user tunable for either economy or power", guess which one the driver selected, all the time!
This was a DI diesel engine with a home-brewed propane fumigation system.
A lawsuit ensued over who was responsible for the damage. The court found in favor of the vehicle owner (who was just looking to get his engine replaced, about $15,000 USD) but the court took exception to the installers attitude and sales process and added on additional punitive awards of close to $50,000. The settlement was for close to $80,000 which included the cost of a rental truck while this process was underway, about 6 months, attorneys fees, and a severe slap on the wrist.
I was called in as expert witness but never had to testify.
Franz
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