Overnight idling?

[daveb]

I know they take up space and you would have to cut a hole for the exhaust as well as add an generator but maybe something like this would work.
edge star portable

I sure would avoid idleing an engine. Also I don't know if a 2kW gen will run it.
[edit-specs say only 850W]

[carringb]

Yes, the 5.4L can have the high idle switch hooked up too.

If you are really concerned, you can order the 5.4L with the Ambulance prep package. It comes with some extra heat shields for the exhaust. The Ambulance prep package means the van is certified for indefinite idling, with a full hotel load (which usually means dual-compressor A/C, many lights, and a high 120VAC load for medical equipment.

I think the Ambulance prep package also includes the 220 amp alternator.

[adschantz]

Found some incidents back in the mid 80's of ambulance fires. Seemed like it was due to the exhaust system heating the fuel tank to the point that it spurted fuel out and started fires. Ford instituted a major recall to install heat shields to avoid a lawsuit. Guess this is why most ambulances are diesel?

Seems the long idle periods could be feasible if I could come up with the heatshields and some way to provide an audible warning of cooling and/or oil pressure issues. Not sure how to work a hand throttle, but there has to be a way. Is it possible to retrofit the high idle, believe ford calls this SEIC?

Adam

[carringb]

Originally Posted by adschantz

Found some incidents back in the mid 80's of ambulance fires. Seemed like it was due to the exhaust system heating the fuel tank to the point that it spurted fuel out and started fires. Ford instituted a major recall to install heat shields to avoid a lawsuit. Guess this is why most ambulances are diesel?

Seems the long idle periods could be feasible if I could come up with the heatshields and some way to provide an audible warning of cooling and/or oil pressure issues. Not sure how to work a hand throttle, but there has to be a way. Is it possible to retrofit the high idle, believe ford calls this SEIC?

Adam

I'm sure you can order the factory heat shields, but without the high hotel load, I don't think heat will be a problem for you. It has not been for me, and I have used my van for stationary AC power at the track for hours on end, even if 110F weather. AC worked fine (there's usually a few crew members taking a nap in a back at any given time), and there has never been any evidence that fuel has vented, which it would do it if did start getting hot.

The fuel systems in the 80's vans have zero in common with current E-series, other than they both carry fuel.

Shuttle busses and other commercial vans also idle continuously, and they do not require any extra heat shielding.

[daveb]

I know the gas engines are fairly quiet but have you ever kept one running in a campground? Chances are a ranger will come around and tell you to shut it down. Seems to me you'll need to find a CG with power, boon dock or camp where gens are OK to run full time. In any case a place where generators can run all night, you would probably not have a problem with running the engine all night but a camp with power might not let you run your engine all night. Almost a catch 22. I think the AC with generator and power hookup wins. JMO

[Vegasrandall]

If you live in a dry climate you might want to investigate evap. coolers. Here's a link
http://eplaya.burningman.com/viewtopic.php?t=33842