Detroit Ambulances

[DCaswell]

Just saw on CNN that 9 out of 40 ambulances that are supposed to be in service are down with engine problems. Ford Powerjoke strikes again. all 06 models

 

[jgillott]

Just saw on CNN that 9 out of 40 ambulances that are supposed to be in service are down with engine problems. Ford Powerjoke strikes again. all 06 models

Actually... that's a pretty good average (22. 5% failure rate) all things considered for a 6. 0L. Of the 25 '05 6. 0L's we had at work, only 12 are left on the road. That's a 52% failure rate.

 

[JacobsD]

It really puzzles me.



Ford diesels have such a bad rep, and everyone knows that Ford has a bad rep, yet people still scoff up the Powersmokes like nothing.



Ford diesels outnumber Dodge and GM diesels around here 4:1 atleast.



Like the George Carlin quote: "think about how stupid the average person is, then remember half the population is stupider than that"

 

[Mactruck]

Our 2005 Powerstroke Ambulance (f-450) just got back from the dealer.

Blown headgasket causing coolant to leak into the exhaust jacket and cause the turbo to spool Weird. (consistent turbo bark). They replaced the heads and headgaskets. Said the turbo is overboosting the engine causing the headgasket to blow. They said they don't replace the heads they send them out usually but because it's our only Ambulance (volunteer) they did it to save time. I think they should have replaced the turbo as well but declined too.



Dealer stated that this wasn't the first time they have seen this.

Truck was out of service on Friday put back in service the end of Wednesday.

4 days not including weekend. Pretty impressed how fast they can do it when it's not a regular consumer.

 

[bigkid59]

The towns around here are still using the Fords. Just up the road about 3 or 4 miles in Memphis, TN the fire department has switched over to International S series trucks with the DT466 engines and Allison transmissions for their ambulances. Should be a lot more dependable piece of equipment, plus having better performance even with larger bodies and more supplies and equipment.

 

[Mactruck]

We had an international two ambulances ago. (It was broadsided by a tractor trailer) It saved our EMT's lives being so large.



However we downsized because living in a Small New England town the larger trucks could not get into driveways easily. Plus it limits who can drive the truck.



This rig is the first that we speced as a Type 1 Ambulance (Pick Up Chassis).

We usually used type III's (Van Chassis Cutaways).



The main Difference that made us decide to use the Type 1 chassis???



It's A 4x4

Great for those New England winters. It also has On-Spot chains!Oo.



We Just wish it was a Cummins!