1994 Van Ambulance - Diesel Forum

DHTD · 06-15-2009, 10:05 AM

Im thinking to look at a 1994 E350 dually BOX style ambulance to use for a work rig. I am really hesitant because I dont want to be working like crazy inside that small engine compartment like I have in the past on my 99 van and I know my 01 F250 7.3 required some hours just for mainteneance, ipr, icp, injectors,uvc harness etc....I realize eventually I will have to get under there a little for water pump, hoses, belts, etc..

The van has 94,000 on her. My question is what do these IDI engines need for maintenance? Will an injector go out at 150k like in the PSDs? Do they have the UVC harness coming loose problem? Any insight as to what I will face if I buy this thing?

Its a "800" series ambulance from Los Angeles City Fire Department and well maintained so they say.

Alaskapsdvan · 06-15-2009, 03:37 PM

What kind of work?
I know that I was looking at a older ambulance once, but it would not carry the weight that I would need to carry.. If it would carry the weight it would be over the rear axle, and not in the middle like the ext E350 that I have.
There have been times that I get 4k lbs in the middle of the van, it is in between the front and rear axle lines, (I know that the front does not have the axle)

It is all weights and balances.... straight van works better for me.

Just some thoughts.

u2slow · 06-15-2009, 04:35 PM

Unlikely you'll have to worry about the weight... the cutaway models have a heavier axle and suspension than the normal "Ford-bodied" SRW vans.

What's the ceiling height in the ambulance? I've looked at them before, but the headroom wasn't enough for me. I picked up an E350 mini-bus instead to use as my service van.

DHTD · 06-15-2009, 05:29 PM

The Van

It has a little more mileage than I thought but no biggie. I just realized its a 94 but with a PSD motor, I just learned that they made a few powerstokes and IDI that year. I will do some more research on that. Anything good or bad about the 94 powerstrokes?

Thinking about gutting all of the interior apparatus to make room for a carpet cleaning truck mount, auto detail, and window cleaning equipment. I work out of a 99 E250 gasser which currently just has auto detail rigging inside and do not believe the truck mount will fit inside along with the detailing stuff. All in all, should be about 3k pounds back there on any given day,because we carry our own DI water. Im sure the duallie and 350 chassis can handle it, if not I will airbag the rear end.

u2slow · 06-16-2009, 08:13 PM

Seems like a hefty chunk of change for a 94. I got my '97 2 years ago now for $7500 CDN.

It is nice low mileage though.

mutantvan · 07-03-2009, 02:48 AM

I think the vans are tougher to work on than the trucks. All the routine stuff that runs on the serpentine belt on mine were brutal to change. It works the other way around when you are changing stuff from the back of the engine, especially the tranny. I hate pulling the aircleaner off.
Mine is a 1994 E350 IDI ambulance package. I have a dump bed on it that makes it pretty darn easy to work on anything behind the cab.