And now to something completely different. Ford 7.3 E350 Ambulance

[81cutlass]

The 6.9 and 7.3 IDI diesel is based off the international harvester medium-v gas engine architecture from the 60's and 70's. The IH small-v (SV) was 304, 345, and 392 cubic inch and used in small trucks and SUV's by IH in the 60's and 70's.

In the late 70's IH converted their medium v gas engines that came in school busses, utility trucks and similar to be diesel. First they were 6.9 liters from 83-88 and in 89 they went to 7.3. The engines are relatively similar to the IH gas blocks, but IH made these gas engines for industrial uses so they are super HD for gas and normal HD for diesel.

Dad has had a 6.9 IDI in a 87 F250 ford pickup since about 1991. I think he rebuilt the 6.9/5 speed setup that was in the truck in the late 90's after about 300K. The truck rotted out and he found clean F350 cab and chassis with a blown up 7.3 in the mid 2000's and swappd the engine.

They don't make much power and get about 10-12 mpg loaded, empty, at 55 or 70mph and it wont pull a full trailer up a significant hill at 65mph. However, they run forever and are very simple.

 

[Wageslave]

The main issue I have seen with mine is hard starting in cold weather. This can come from air intrusion into the fuel system and non-functional glow plugs. You can get a kit to change your injector caps and O-rings fairly cheaply if it becomes an issue. You can also change your mechanical fuel pump over to an electric pump if the issue persists. As others have mentioned, the glow plug controllers and glow plugs are also a weak point on this engine. The glow plug ends can swell and break off in the engine if they are overdriven. If they need replaced, use Motocraft ZD-9 plugs if you can find them.

The cooling system also needs an anti-cavitation supplement added if you need to drain the cooling system.

Great motors overall if you know what to expect from them.

 

[KCP]

Thanks to all of you! There's so much great information on this site, not only Gbody related and I have yet to get flamed about thinking to buy a Ford👍

 

[81cutlass]

Before 89 when Dodge put the cummins in the D250, the IDI 6.9/7.3 was the BEST powerplant for a 3/4 or 1 ton pickup. It was that or a gas hog 460, weak 454 or turd 6.2 in a GM, or an anemic 360 in a dodge.

GM didn't have a diesel worth owning until they put in an Isuzu (cough duramax cough)
Dodge cabs felt like you were stepping back into 1972 until 1994 when they went to the new cab.

Not sure what kind of life the ambulance has had, but i wouldn't be concerned.

 

[pagrunt]

and I have yet to get flamed about thinking to buy a Ford👍

We're just waiting for you to say you bought it then it's game on with the flaming. 🔥

 

[KCP]

I managed to inspect the Ambo today. Long story short, this particular one is NOT the one for me. While it may be a good starting point for someone with more time than I have on my hands, it's too much work involved for me. Off to the search for the next one. Thank you guys very much for the great information shared!

 

[fleming442]

Huh. Rotted out?

 

[DRIVEN]

Well that's disappointing. I was just talking to my dad about doing a Sprinter camper conversion. Was hoping to get ideas from this.

 

[KCP]

Rust wasn't that bad, only 3-4 spots that needed welding right away but the complete frame and underbody would need ice blasting to clean up. Suspension needs new bushing, brake lines, etc.
The Ambo was parked outside for two years with the engine doghouse removed, so a lot of moisture in the cab. All wiring from cab backwards is removed and has to be rewired. Current owner did a pretty good job of completely hacking up the electrics on this one.
With my little free time, it would take me at least a year and another 5 grand to bring it on the road, without living quarter done yet.

DRIVEN
Have a peek over at Expedition Portal and Sportsmobile Forum, there's tons of great info on both of them.

 

[olds307 and 403]

The only issue motor wise were very early ones, the 6.9 had Antifreeze weeping issues through the cylinders. I saw and did varying amount of work on all generations of this motor, pretty solid. Saw some glow plug wiring issues and injector O rings and long crank issues as said.