Ambulance Camper/ Expedition Rig Conversion FAQ

[Waltzing Matilda]

Thanks for this thread, it has been helpful. (I certainly didn't mean for my questions/comments to contribute to the 2WD/4WD debate.)

Question: has anyone experimented with running biodiesel in their rigs? Any problems? Benefits?

Also, after doing more reading, I have gone a different direction: found a 1997 E450 Turbo diesel 7.3 (super stroke) with a passenger bus set up, similar to the "Das Bus" vehicle found here on Expo. Since I hope to be transporting people into Baja, and really want something tall enough to walk around in, this will be a more comfortable set up vs. most of the ambulances I've seen. (Also, more windows for viewing the scenery along the way.)

Happy hunting to those seeking a good ambulance build.

 

[IdaSHO]

Question: has anyone experimented with running biodiesel in their rigs? Any problems? Benefits?

.

Bio diesel in a Powerstroke yes, WVO is quite the challenge.

The Powerstroke HEUI injectors are pretty picky. If the biodiesel is clean stock, run it.

 

[Waltzing Matilda]

Thanks IdaSHO- Just found this local biodiesel company not far from home: http://www.newleafbiofuel.com/biodiesel-faqs/

I will give them a call Monday.

 

[IdaSHO]

It varies a good deal by area.

but it seems to be in the places bio-diesel has become "trendy" is the area you do not want to run it.

Quite often it will cost MORE. And most report a slight loss in power and fuel mileage.


but as always, your mileage may vary


Knowing just how picky these injectors are, I choose to stick with standard pump diesel.

And up here, we run a winter blend year round. So the MPG always sucks :sombrero:

 

[Abitibi]

Bio diesel in a Powerstroke yes, WVO is quite the challenge.

The Powerstroke HEUI injectors are pretty picky. If the biodiesel is clean stock, run it.

Why are you saying WVO is quite a challenge? We just converted a friend '03 E350 with the 7.3 and it was very straight forward. I was almost done with my conversion until I blew my shoulder and had to get surgery last week. (now I'm out for a few months, arghhhhh)!

All you need is basically 2 fuel tanks, 2 sets of 3-way valves, 2 filter heads one of them coolant heated, a 3-way switch, extra fuel and coolant hoses, couplings and that's about it. Some extra parts if you live in cold climate but I still think keeping it simple simplifies life's as far as WVO goes.

Cheers
Mr. D

 

[Bikersmurf]

I'm running 'Biodiesel' and have seen no difference in performance or economy. Stock O-Rings for the fuel bowl and water drain should be upgraded for Bio, as well as the rubber fuel lines which connect the fuel bowl.

All that said, Bio I can get my hands on is only 5% Bio... Some places you can get up to 50% Bio. I don't really think 5% would make much difference, but they claim it burns cleaner, and is about $0.10 a US Gal cheaper at the card lock than buying Fuel at the regular stations.

 

[Waltzing Matilda]

thanks all-
I'll start a new biodiesel thread vs. taking up more ambu space

 

[IdaSHO]

Why are you saying WVO is quite a challenge? We just converted a friend '03 E350 with the 7.3 and it was very straight forward. I was almost done with my conversion until I blew my shoulder and had to get surgery last week. (now I'm out for a few months, arghhhhh)!

All you need is basically 2 fuel tanks, 2 sets of 3-way valves, 2 filter heads one of them coolant heated, a 3-way switch, extra fuel and coolant hoses, couplings and that's about it. Some extra parts if you live in cold climate but I still think keeping it simple simplifies life's as far as WVO goes.

Cheers
Mr. D

Compared to bio, yes, WVO is a challenge,

Add in cold weather, and it becomes more of a problem than a challenge than most (including me) are willing to bother with.


The 7.3 is one picky SOB when it comes to fuel. I stick with #2 or a blend.

 

[Abitibi]

Obviously bio doesn't involve much more than a few viton seals and line vs the required WVO conversion but the 7.3 seems to love veggie. I'll argue my point down the road once I finish mine and put some miles on it. Until then I'll play nice and put this thread back on track

Cheers

 

[Bikersmurf]

Obviously bio doesn't involve much more than a few viton seals and line vs the required WVO conversion but the 7.3 seems to love veggie. I'll argue my point down the road once I finish mine and put some miles on it. Until then I'll play nice and put this thread back on track

Cheers

I'm going to hold you to that... I'd love to run veggie one day, and if you can make it work, I know it'll work in mine.

 

[cjken]

Sometimes I question whether I need 4x4 or not.
Sure glad I have it this year!! Damn it fun in the snow!!!

 

[BIG-B]

Cjken, thanks for bringing this thread back on track! I just bought and started on my ambo and this thread has been a great resource!

 

[patoz]

Ken, did you build that spare tire carrier, or is it commercially available somewhere?

 

[cjken]

Cjken, thanks for bringing this thread back on track! I just bought and started on my ambo and this thread has been a great resource!

Looking forward to see yours.
Hoping to continue working on mine come spring time.
Too cold to do much now




As for the tire carrier, we made it.
Here are a few photos I found

 

[patoz]

Wow, thanks for the info Ken, and nice work!