Ambulance V10

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Jan 4, 2006 | 01:58 PM

bbfried

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Ambulance V10

The TD has been the standard for most US ambulances since the Turbo was added. The 460's shortcomings were legion in this service.

Does anyone have experience with a V10 in a full sized ambulance?

Jan 4, 2006 | 06:06 PM

Wrenchtraveller

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I think a V10 would be a great choice in an ambulance. How many DOAs are caused by accident victims breathing the noxious diesel fumes before they get to ER.

After listening to the noise and stink of a diesel , many accident patients probably give up the will to live.

V10 ambulances would save thousands of lives across North America but we will never see them because they make sense and would save tax dollars.

Jan 4, 2006 | 06:53 PM

someday

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2004

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From: midwest

i wonder how many 6.0 ambulances actually died on the road with patients? it has to have happened at least once

if i am not mistaken ford will not certify an ambulance unless it has the diesel...talk about a smart move and all the extra profit

Jan 4, 2006 | 07:49 PM

4wd

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Joined: Mar 2005

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From: SW Iowa

I know if I was laying in one of those ambulances bleeding out, and heard that distinct whoosh and felt the g's when the ambulance driver opened up that 3 valve V-10 speeding to the hospital, I'd probably come to life and ask him to please take the long way around the block a few times, as I wanted to hear and feel that acceleration only the 10 has just a few more times.
Yeah, I think I have seen them in emergency vehicals.

It just amazes me how much power that 3 valve 10 has when driving that F-350 of mine. I gotta keep in mind loaded I weigh about as much as 2 crown vics , and here I am accelerating and braking and maneuvering around like I am driving a #3000lb ranger. It is wonderful to have horsepower, suspension and brakes in these big F series trucks.

Last edited by 4wd; Jan 4, 2006 at 08:13 PM.

Jan 4, 2006 | 07:59 PM

rvpuller

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From: Home Base Nebraska

Ambulances with gas motors in the 80s had to many fires and now no manufactures will not build on one without a waver from the end user.

Ambulances spend a lot of time idling and so much heat was building up under them that with a full gas tank gas was being forced out of the filler tube and a lot of fires where the result.

The VFD I'm on runs a 7.3 PSD and I will say that I miss our old 460, PSD slow and noisy.

Denny

Jan 5, 2006 | 02:59 AM

bbfried

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Cross-Country

Joined: Aug 2005

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Thanks for the information!

This is what I thought that the situation is but couldn't readily confirm without your help.

I had forgotten the fire problem in the early '80's. By mid decade, I was where dieselization had already occured.

The average ambulance is not made for long runs in rural areas. Range with safety margin was also a reason that I remember for going diesel.

I'm in an area of low competition, low fuel prices and realtively high bids coming in.

Further comments would be appreciated.

Jan 5, 2006 | 09:36 AM

redhawk44

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Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Oakboro, NC

Another consideration is the electrical systems. Ambulances carry a lot of equipment with big electrical drains. A diesel with two batteries and two alternaters as an option are better suited from the factory. Of course a V10 could be equipped they way too.