Question 6.4L ambulance over 6.0L

[nunook]

My Service is discussing new ambulances and we are deciding between an F series with the 6.4 and an E series with the 6.0 does anyone have any info that can help?

thanks

[ford_doctor]

I was involved in a discussion concerning the use of F-Series trucks in lieu of other makes or gas powered Econolines for use as ambulances. I recall the only main issue was the vehicle height, the F-Series being higher than an Econoline with the ambulance prep package. I don't know the specifics of the package but I was informed that there is a company that modifies the rear suspension with air bag springs that rides lower AND has the ability to squat. This is key to safe loading and unloading.

[RRose]

My department just got about 10 Rescue's that are all 6.0L E-series..... we've had alot of problems with them.... We've had several that have just died on a run and had to be towed into the shop. If that helps at all. I'd get the F-series with the 6.4L...... the truck is more comfortable in the front anyways!

[toalpi]

Word is that the 6.4 will be going into the E series within a month or so. 2008 vans with gas engines are on dealer lots. I think that the "cab off" procedure may require some/many quick disconnect wire harness' and some rethinking of the cab to box junction. That is assuming that ford will certify the E-6.4 for ambulance use. Don't know if they have certified a gas E for ambulance use.

[exoval]

A 6.4 is better on the enviroment with all the idling the ambulance will do.

[nunook]

The E's already have the 6.0 for 2008 that is what for is going to be doing and it is unsertain about the future of E's with diesels

[KINGTUT]

My local municipality went total gasser after several failures with the 6.0 and a lawsuit. Don't know what that says about the 6.4. The paramedics down at City Hall got tired of mopping the oil out of the bay along with some no start/mechanical deficiency issues.

[01F350PSD4x4]

I thought ford dropped diesel all to gether in the E series. Was that in vans and not van chassis?

[nunook]

yes it was a late '08 add in, both vans and chassis but it is still a detuned 6.0l

[nunook]

this is my problem. People wnat the van chassis but I am unsure about the engine.

[HuskerMedic]

Avoid the 6.0L in a modular application. They're not much better, but acceptable, in a "vanbulance" type application.

I work part-time for a private service that does mainly interfacility work. We have 7.3's and 6.0's. The "fleet manager" (a.k.a. mechanic) has extensive experience with Ford diesels-he was a Ford tech at one time. He just about pulls his hair out over the 6.0's. He doesn't think we'll get anywhere near the miles out of them that we do the 7.3's (usually around 250-300k relatively trouble free miles).

One of the big problems he sees, especially in the modular applications, is the heat buildup under the hood because the motor has to work so hard. It fries the wiring, electronics, belts, hoses, etc.

I'm not a professional wrench bender, not even much of an amateur one, but one of the beliefs I hold dear is "There is no substitute for cubic inches". The mechanic tends to agree with me; he likens it to taking a small framed person, putting them on steroids, and having them compete in powerlifting contests with the big guys. The little guy may be able to keep up for awhile, but eventually he will give out, and usually way before the big guys.

[toalpi]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nunook</div><div class="ubbcode-body">yes it was a late '08 add in, both vans and chassis but it is still a detuned 6.0l </div></div>It hasn't happened yet. Word is now 6.4

[turbodave]

I can add some info on this, no specifics however since I'm not directly involved, but here in my area, we have an ambulance company with similar experiences of Kingtut and RRose.
They are running the 6.0's and have had nothing but huge problems with the entire 16 truck fleet!! Enough for a lawsuit to get started, and usually have as many as 6 of the 16 down at any given time for one thing or another.
Last I heard, they're dumping the entire fleet of 16 for something else from GM. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/mad.gif[/img]

[ktm923]

I would strongly recommend going with the the F series chassis over the E series. The 6.4L so far seems like its going to be good. Much quieter and plenty of power. Havent heard of any major problems. My dept. has an F550 4x4 w/ air ride suspension and its great. Much nicer to drive than our secondary amb. which is an E series and plenty of room to work w/paitents in the back. The suspension automatically dumps when back doors are opened which makes easy to load/unload gurney and easy to get in and out of. No height issue at all. Hope this helps

[Texrob1]

I just saw Laporte Tx EMS got a new F450 Ambulance,Very Nice & Rugged looking Rig,it makes the Deer park EMS F350's look kind of small..