E 350 Van V8-460 7.5L VIN L 4-BBL (1987)
Technical Service Bulletin # 88S99
Date: 880901
Recall - Heater/Engine Bypass Hose Replacement
At Dealers By Order as Req'd
-0- % of Parts Direct
Shipped to Dealers
At PDC By Now
Temporary Maximum
Date in Owner Letter 9/2/88 Order Quantity of 2 Kits
RECALL NUMBER
88S99
Date:
Sept., 1988
PLEASE GIVE COPIES OF THIS BULLETIN TO YOUR PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGERS
TO:
All Ford and Heavy Truck Dealers
SUBJECT:
Safety Recall 88S99 - Heater and Engine Bypass Hose Replacement and Muffler Inspections/Replacement on Certain
1983 through 1987-model 5.8L-4V H.D. and 7.5L Engine Equipped Ford Econoline-Based Ambulances
IN CARES/OASIS
-
YES
REFUND CLAIMING
-
USE FORM 1863
MODIFICATION CLAIMING - USE FORM 1864
VEHICLES AFFECTED:
Ford Motor Company is initiating a safety recall of certain 1983 through 1987-model Econoline E250/E350- based ambulances equipped with 7.5 Liter
engines as well as certain 1985 through 1987-model Econoline E250/E350-based ambulances equipped with 5.8L 4V H.D. engines. All involved
vehicles are rated over 8,500 lbs. GW.
REASONS FOR THIS RECALL:
Investigations of recent fires involving Econolinebased ambulances have disclosed a potential for engine compartment heater or engine bypass hoses to
wear-out prematurely and rupture, allowing engine coolant to come in contact with hot engine exhaust manifolds and possibly ignite. Testing has
indicated that worn-out hoses are not able to withstand the prolonged periods of extreme engine operating temperatures and higher engine cooling system
pressures encountered during EMS severe-duty cycles.
ACTION BY FORD:
All ambulances returned for the service provided by this Safety Recall will be modified as follows;
^
Replacement of existing engine compartment heater and bypass hoses with silicone/NOMEX hoses.
^
Replacement of the radiator cap.
^
Replacement of the engine coolant with a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. This mixture of coolant will
provide freeze protection for most areas. Extreme cold-weather areas should be provided with a 60/40 mixture
of coolant and water.
^
Pressure test the cooling system.
^
Inspection and, if necessary, installation of aluminized stainless steel mufflers on 1985-87-model 7.5L
dual-thermactor engine equipped vehicles.
^
High heat resistance aluminized stainless steel mufflers will be installed on those ambulances equipped with
1985-1987 7.5L, dual thermactor air pump-equipped engines that did not have those mufflers installed in
connection with safety recall 87M53. A temporary shortage of aluminized stainless steel mufflers last year
required the use of substitute mufflers on ambulances that were found in need of muffler replacement at that
time.
^
Underbody inspection for loose, mispositioned or missing heat-shielding parts. Contact the Special Toll-Free
Econoline/Ambulance Hotline for authorization to perform modifications as a result of this inspection.
This service will be performed at no cost. Owner/ operators win be provided with information about replacement
recommendations for engine coolant and heater and engine bypass hoses.