Ford Ambulance & 6.0 ps.

[Jeff H]

Since all the ambulances are ford powerstroke around here. Wonder if any hospitals are experienceing any of the 6. 0 powerstroke dellimas? Almost makes me wanna drive there my self?

 

[Rosco]

I haven't seen a 6. 0 Powerstroke in an emergency vehicle in my area yet (Rhode Island) and I am at the level 1 trauma center and other area hospitals in Providence a few times a shift.



One thing is for sure, when they are running right they must fly. The fire department I work for is not due for a new Rescue (ambulance to some) for a couple more years so hopefully they will have this mess straightened out when we purchase a new bus.

 

[Ncostello]

Our township fire department has a 6. 0 F450 light rescue with the 6. 0L. Its a very early one too built 9/02. They have had no issues at all to date and they run it hard and often. They are unaware of all the problems others are having. I explained some common problems to them and they claim to have none.



Our fire dept worked a code on Saturday morning. We responded our KME rescue engine to this call and had to shock and drop an airway on the PT. I ended up getting drafted to drive the 2001 Medtec ambulance in to the hospital. I was thinking about how glad I was it was a good running 7. 3L. Those things will run for the weight they carry.



PS: I dislike driving the ambulance to the hospital cause it adds about an hour to an otherwise short run... and I have to drive a Powerstroke! Lets see... I drive the Cummins powered rig to the scene and leave in a Powerstroke... don't seem right.



Were in a dillema now to replace our F350 gasser BLS squad rescue. I'm pushing a F450 V10 to avoid the 6. 0L because I will not tolerate serious downtime with a new truck. Ford sure aint gonna buy back a modified F450 that has custom paint and holes cut in the body for red lights. And I'm not gonna watch the local techs tear into a new truck engine they have little experience with. I wont have it.



Stupid Dodge wont let you take the bed off the new 3500's and install a body. They claim the frame wont take the stress yet toot their horn about how strong the hydroformed frame is.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

The last time I was spec-ing out ambulances... . Ford wouldn't sell the 'ambulance prep package' unless it had an oil burner under the hood. This could be a different story than the truck chassis... .



The 6. 0L would probably have to be de-tuned if it were going to be stuffed in a van chassis... there isn't squat for room in those things for anything... nevermind an intercooler...



Have you seen the newer E-450's?! They look very odd with a medium duty axle in the front and those goofy fender flares...



How about a Freightliner/Daimler Chrysler Sprinter? They're goofy looking too... but at least you can get a decent diesel that isn't a 6. 0L



Matt

 

[Ncostello]

The E-550's are the goofy ones. E-450's still use 16" wheels. Didn't the 7. 3 equipped E-series use an intercooler. I had always assumed they did but never really looked for one.



Ford strictly mandates the diesel for their ambulance package. They have a strict definition of "ambulance". It basically includes anything for fire/rescue that uses a high idler device... . according to their fine print. Applies to both E and F series vehicles. They will void warranty to those who dont choose it for apparatus and also discharge you from their QVM builder list (factory body upfitters that finish uncomplete vehicles).

 

[Big E]

The fire station I work at is getting a brand new F550 4x4 w/6. 0 Patrol (brush truck) here in the next couple of weeks. I am interested in seeing how it is going to hold up. Our station covers a large unincorporated area. Our rigs are run hard and get some serious abuse.



IMHO our current Dodge has done a decent job considering it is loaded at it's GVWR without anyone in it. It has gone through a lot of front brakes, and as most people on this forum know the auto transmission's leave a lot to be desired.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Oh... OK... I thought the E-450's + were the goofy looking ones. I've only seen them going down the highway...



The cut-vans with 7. 3's were non-intercooled...



Matt

 

[Rescue Ram]

6.0 Quick Response BLS

We have a very early build F-350 crew 4x4 with the TS and 6. 0. It is a quick response BLS unit (Read as: pickup with shell and a few pieces of basic medical equipment). We have had substantial problems with it. I am gratetful that it is not a transport ambulance. I have had the pleasure of driving a GM 6. 5L TD ambulance. It is a very sickening feeling when you have to call for an intercept during an emergent run because the engine went on strike...

Brian