[upstatehomemedic]

1990 E350 Ex Ambulance. Has 63K Original miles. Thanks to all that got me up and running with the Glow Plug issue. You have tons of knowledge and experience. Have routinely been starting in -30 degree weather mornings!

Last night driving along going up a slight grade, lost power. Sounded like gurgling or cavitating (if that makes sense) Got over to side of road and stood on brake. Shifted into reverse, drive (all ranges) nothing at all. So I had a friend tow me home.

Next morning, no go any gear. Engine just revs up. Fluid is bright and clear red color, no burnt smell. Just looking for guidance. I did check Ring and pinion, its OK (did find bad u joint though!). I believe its the E40D. Called local tranny shop (over the phone diagnosis is $2800, Ford is $2300 plus labor, and Ebay has ads for $1000-1300.

ANY SUGGESTIONS, hate to think it may be something stupid. Convertor only? best way to driveway Diagnose? Really don't want to stimulate economy that much. ANYONE HAVE ONE FOR SALE???

As usual, ask all questions and thanks in advance!!!

 

[CSI]

Another Ambulance

This isn't going to help you with your problem - I just want to understand your post.

Are you saying, that a u-joins costs $1000 and up?

I have 1989 Ambulance - when the Ford dealer quoted me $2800 for some injector work a few years ago, I swore I would have the Ambulance crushed into a cube before I would pay that. Found an independant shop that did the same worl for $280 if memory serves correctly. Whatever you need done, get more estimates.

 

[upstatehomemedic]

Sorry if I wasn't clear, the pricing I quoted was for a tranny rebuild, no one has worked on tranny to this point. I am trying to to troubleshoot. I found the u joint when under the truck just trying to see if anything was obvious.

HELP!

 

[CSI]

My bad

Yeah, just figired that out, did a search on ebay for e40d and saw you were talking about the tranny, they have a used on with 80k on it for $550 buy it now eBay Motors: Ford automatic transmission from 94 7.3 ambulance E40D (item 290287722959 end time Feb-06-09 07:20:36 PST)

if interested.

 

[arthurgoboom]

Might consider having a helper/wife sit in the truck (engine running) with the brakes held and the transmission in gear. Make sure the problem is in the transmission, not the rearend. If the problem is indeed the transmission, the driveshaft will not be spinning. If something in the rearend gave up, the driveshaft will be spinning but the tires won't be moving.

 

[RLDSL]

If it needs a rebuilt tranny, it would cost a little more than from ford, but you could get one from BTS that would hold up a lot better

 

[cdnsarguy]

Before dropping big dollars let's see what went wrong....... did you check for possible codes set by the trans. Are all the linkages/cables connected.....


Check all the trans electrical connections especially the one on the right side with the tin cover, remove the tin heat shield, remove the solenoid connector by pushing on the center tab and pulling up on the wire harness. To install push down until a click is heard. Always reinstall the tin heat shield.

Your looking for corroded, bent or missing pins and water etc.......

Any flashing light on the OD on/off switch....... is it bright or very dim check at night.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

EDIT... OK you have the flashing light constantly.........

The vibration may be the center hanger bearing if you have the 2 piece driveshaft.

Is the ambulance a 4X4...... ie with Transfer case?????