90 E-350 Ambulance
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New User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Baltimore area
90 E-350 Ambulance
Hi...new to the forums here. I just came into posession of a '90 E-350 Ambulance equipped with the 7.3 (non turbo) engine that was built by Collins Industries. It has just a tick over 82,000 original miles. Looking for any and all information on this vehicle, since diesels are a new breed to me (I'm mostly into old Pontiacs). Also interested in hearing from other owners of ambulances/professional vehicles.
Some questions:
1.) I've been getting varying answers on the oil capacity of this 7.3...everything from 10 qts. to 15 qts. I've got 12 qts. in it now, which doesn't seem to be hitting the dipstick. When changing the oil, I put about 2 qts. in the filter, and dumped 8 in the crankcase. Before firing it over, the 8 qts. were hitting the "low" mark on the dipstick (see other question on that). After firing it up and adding 2 more qts. it doesn't appear to be hitting the dipstick at all. What is the definitive answer on capacity?
2.) The dipstick is unlike any I've ever dealt with. It's entire length, save for the last 6" to the handle, is made of a tightly wound springlike material that is super flexible. The business end has two circular welds around it, presumably to mark "full" and "low". Is this an OEM dipstick or do I have some weird aftermarket unit?
Some questions:
1.) I've been getting varying answers on the oil capacity of this 7.3...everything from 10 qts. to 15 qts. I've got 12 qts. in it now, which doesn't seem to be hitting the dipstick. When changing the oil, I put about 2 qts. in the filter, and dumped 8 in the crankcase. Before firing it over, the 8 qts. were hitting the "low" mark on the dipstick (see other question on that). After firing it up and adding 2 more qts. it doesn't appear to be hitting the dipstick at all. What is the definitive answer on capacity?
2.) The dipstick is unlike any I've ever dealt with. It's entire length, save for the last 6" to the handle, is made of a tightly wound springlike material that is super flexible. The business end has two circular welds around it, presumably to mark "full" and "low". Is this an OEM dipstick or do I have some weird aftermarket unit?
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 191,894
Likes: 352
From: baltimore
hey i have a 94 e350 ambo.the dipstick is the same way on mine so dont feel bad about that. as to oil capacity you are looking at somewhere in the area of 2 to 3 gallons of oil if i am correct. Also watch out for the batteries the ambos like to drain them even if the disconnect is off.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3
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From: Baltimore area
Well, I've got 3 gallons of oil in it now. I figure that should be ok for the short jaunts to keep things "lubed" for now, but eventually I plan to tow with this thing. Also interested in an aftermarket turbo kit for it too, but that will have to wait another year. The batteries were installed Jan/03, they don't hold a charge very well, so they will be replaced soon.
