New Light & Medium Duty News

[rmc523]

Finally!!!! Got a picture of the truck in the wild....at a Syracuse NY U-Haul dealership. F650 with a V10 gasser....

 

 

 

I saw one of those last week as well.

[Joe771476]

Bob..thanks for digging out those figures! Confirms what you and I both knew!

[theoldwizard]

Factory installed by GM vs. factory prep/aftermarket installed by Ford.

Ford would likely NEVER do a "factory" CNG/Propane engine. There have been talks with various vendors about a "close integration" of fuel injection system and aftermarket controls but the drop in crude oil killed that completely.

 

Knowing a little bit of "what is under-the-hood" software-wise in a Ford PCM, Ford could actually fairly quickly design and build a "factory" CNG/Propane system themselves. There is just not enough demand.

 

They would be much better served by spending the engineering money on designing a new large (>8.0L) engine for MD.

Edited March 1, 2016 by theoldwizard

[theoldwizard]

PS: GM has been offering propane prep options for years....here is an article from 2011;

Gaseous fuel "prep" is very easy, at least for Ford.

 

Typically, they install sodium filled exhaust valves and special hardened vale seat and verify the changes on the dyno under long heavy load,

[Bob Rosadini]

Ford would likely NEVER do a "factory" CMG/Propane engine. There have been talks with various vendors about a "close integration" of fuel injection system and aftermarket controls but the drop in crude oil killed that completely.

 

Knowing a little bit of "what is under-the-hood" software-wise in a Ford PCM, Ford could actually fairly quickly design and build a "factory" CNG/Propane system themselves. There is just not enough demand.

 

They would be much better served by spending the engineering money on designing a new large (>8.0L) engine for MD.

But doesn't the option of a "factory installed system" make your 8 liter a much more viable option-?? Understood about the valves and all the internals-but fleet mgrs don't want to deal with shipping chassis to another "installer" then when there is a problem-who points fingers at who?? Buck passing- like a Cat and Allison- "oh its not a Ford problem-take it to Cat-Cat says.."its an allison problem blah blah.

[theoldwizard]

But doesn't the option of a "factory installed system" make your 8 liter a much more viable option-??

Sure. I have a CNG pumping station just down the road. In recent months it has been >50¢ GGE more than regular. Who is going to buy it, when it gets worse fuel economy ?

 

...but fleet mgrs don't want to deal with shipping chassis to another "installer" then when there is a problem-who points fingers at who??

I was on the "outside" during the "hay day" of the last CNG push (did AT&T ever convert most of their fleet ? The only company that I know that went CNG big time was Waste Management). I worked on trying to resolve one small portion of that finger pointing but could NOT get anyone inside Ford to give a darn about it.

 

Putting the gaseoud fuel prep option 3.7L (and now the 5.0L) in an F150 took an "act of God". The 3.7L engineering was completed for the Transit, but no one wanted to release it for the F150 (or Taurus/MKS)

 

 

(I got out of that job about 1 year before the whole market collapsed.)

Edited March 1, 2016 by theoldwizard

[fuzzymoomoo]

I see a lot of AT&T vans driving around that are CNG. It seems mostly limited to their newer E-Series vans, but I have seen the occasional Super Duty truck. The rest are either newer Transit Connect vans with their standard engines or the big Super Duty trucks with the cherry pickers on them which are all diesels.

[Bob Rosadini]

Point of clarification- I wasn't beating the drum about CNG or LNG-both are a completely different animal in my book vs. propane. What is the cost of a propane tank on a truck vs. a CNG or LNG set up- huge difference right?

 

Propane is also a readily available fuel and does not require any huge investment if you have enough volume to justify your own on site fueling set up.

[7Mary3]

Regardless, I would like to see the V-10 retired. Ford medium duty service, I think it's a little shy displacement-wise, and I don't think the 3 valve Triton is the most durable engine Ford ever built. At least the V-10 doesn't have cam phasers. Hopefully, the 'Boss' engine platform can be developed into something more suitable.

[94bronco]

6.2 V8 to show up in E-Series cutaways and chassis next year:

 

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2016/03/01/2017-ford-transit-lineup-new-engine-for-e-series-chassis-cutaway.html

 

Good news that I did not see coming.

[7Mary3]

6.2 V8 to show up in E-Series cutaways and chassis next year:

 

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2016/03/01/2017-ford-transit-lineup-new-engine-for-e-series-chassis-cutaway.html

 

Good news that I did not see coming.

Interesting! I guess the E Series will be around long enough that Ford will spend a bit of money on it. That's it for the 2 valve 5.4L and 6.8L.

[bzcat]

Wow new engine for E-series!

 

I guess that means it will stick around for a little bit longer than we thought (when did we speculate as the date for the new medium duty?)

[theoldwizard]

6.2 V8 to show up in E-Series cutaways and chassis next year:

 

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2016/03/01/2017-ford-transit-lineup-new-engine-for-e-series-chassis-cutaway.html

 

Good news that I did not see coming.

Neither did I.

 

If the 6.2L is going to be fitted into the E350/450 then whatever issue there was that prevented it from being placed in the F350/450 must have been resolved.

[Bob Rosadini]

check this out. Significant news IMO. Given the extended warranty, this should add to credibility of the those skeptics-myself included- as to the viability of the 6.7 in severe service at the high end of class 7.

 

http://www.worktruckonline.com/news/story/2016/03/ford-extends-f-650-f-750-v-8-diesel-s-range.aspx

[fordmantpw]

Neither did I.

 

If the 6.2L is going to be fitted into the E350/450 then whatever issue there was that prevented it from being placed in the F350/450 must have been resolved.

 

If that's the case, then I would have expected it to show up in the C&C 450 for '17. Maybe the GVWR on the E3/450 is lower?

 

check this out. Significant news IMO. Given the extended warranty, this should add to credibility of the those skeptics-myself included- as to the viability of the 6.7 in severe service at the high end of class 7.

 

http://www.worktruckonline.com/news/story/2016/03/ford-extends-f-650-f-750-v-8-diesel-s-range.aspx

 

That's impressive!

[Biker16]

Mar 1, 2016 | INDIANAPOLIS New Ergonomic and Tech Options Enhance 2017 Ford Transit Lineup; New Engine for E-Series Stripped Chassis, Cutaway

• Walk-through center console and power running board options added for Ford Transit for 2017 model year in response to fleet customer feedback
• SYNC^® 3 communications and entertainment system is newly available for 2017 Ford Transit Connect cargo van and Transit Connect Wagon
• 6.2-liter V8 engine proven in Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks will be available midyear for 2017 Ford E-Series stripped chassis and cutaway

INDIANAPOLIS, March 1, 2016 – Ford, America’s commercial van leader, is introducing enhancements across its van lineup for the 2017 model year that are designed to make the vehicles trusted by fleet and small business customers even more flexible.

Offering a choice of 64 configurations, up from 58 in the previous model year, Ford Transit’s best-in-class flexibility has helped it become America’s best-selling commercial van. Now, new optional features – from low-profile center consoles to power running boards – are available to help customers tailor Transit even closer to their business needs.

Some of the newly available configurations include Transit 350 regular-wheelbase van – and chassis cab and cutaway – with single rear wheel and 9,500-pound GVWR. The 3.7-liter engine will now be standard on dual-rear wheel van and wagon models, lowering the base price and providing the option of CNG or LPG capability.

Enhanced interior ergonomics and utility for new Transit
2017 Ford Transit is updated with a number of interior changes driven by fleet customer feedback. A low-profile center console option is available on all Transit variants for delivery drivers and others who want easier access to walk from the cab into the back of the vehicle. The feature also makes it easier for fleets to install computer equipment in the center console area.

“Walk-through center consoles are just one enhancement we are adding in response to real-world driver input,” says Yaro Hetman, brand manager, Ford Transit, Transit Connect and E-Series. “Fleet customers tell us they love Transit, and we are making it even better for the 2017 model year.”

Heated driver and front passenger leather and cloth seats are available, and 10-way power-adjustable seats can be ordered in cloth on all Transit variants.

High-capacity upfitter switches are available across the Transit lineup. The switches are enhanced with two increased amperage outputs, two battery hot outputs and two un-switched outputs. The output connector has been moved to an easy-access location behind the glove box in response to upfitter requests.

The available high-capacity upfitter switch upgrade includes a heavy-duty alternator, auxiliary fuse box, modified vehicle wiring system, dual heavy-duty batteries and a new interface connector that provides read-only CAN access in addition to a variety of signals useful to upfitters – including power supply, engine start, engine run, stop lamp, door ajar, turn indicators, vehicle speed and handbrake engagement.

For 2017, Transit’s base audio system is enhanced to include four speakers with a tweeter and woofer.

A rearview mirror is available for Transit cutaway models.

LED lighting is enhanced and made standard in Transit vans for better cargo area visibility while loading and unloading. A 12-volt powerpoint in the D-pillar is standard on vans for powering equipment like cordless tool batteries.

Power running board among exterior changes for Transit
A passenger-side power running board is available for Transit wagons and vans without dual sliding side doors; the running board also has been widened.

Transit cutaway and chassis cab now can be ordered from the factory configured so upfitters can easily activate the rear stop lamp and rear turn signal to operate independently. This modification is common for certain vocational uses like ambulances and school buses, and separating the light functionality on Transit vehicles used to require a trip to a Ford dealer to reconfigure the Body Control Module.

Easy-to-clean styled aluminum-alloy wheels with locking lug nuts are now available for all Transit variants with GVWRs less than 9,500 pounds. Molded wheel well liners for the front wheels are available as well.

White Gold Metallic paint replaces Lunar Sky Metallic for the new model year.

Customers can begin ordering their 2017 Transit online starting April 4, with availability at Ford dealerships in September.

New smart technology for Transit Connect
Ford Transit Connect – America’s best-selling compact commercial van – also gets enhancements for 2017.

SYNC^® 3 with 6.5-inch touch screen and navigation is standard for 2017 Transit Connect Wagon Titanium. The system features faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, a more innovative smartphone-like touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface to help Ford customers connect on the road. SYNC 3 is optional on Transit Connect XLT cargo van and Transit Connect Wagon XLT.

Transit Connect Wagon will be available in two new premium packages for Titanium and XLT trim levels, while short-wheelbase vehicles can be ordered in Titanium trim for the first time. Reverse sensing, automatic headlamps, roof rails and six-way power driver’s seat are now standard equipment for Titanium and XLT trim levels.

Guard Metallic paint replaces Tectonic Silver Metallic for Transit Connect Wagon late in the model year.

Ordering for the 2017 Transit Connect cargo van and Transit Connect Wagon begins online March 14, with vehicles available at Ford dealerships in September.

New engine for E-Series stripped chassis and cutaway
Ford E-Series stripped chassis and cutaway models – frequently modified into ambulances, delivery vans and motorhomes – get a new engine for 2017.

The 6.2-liter V8 engine proven in Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks will be available midyear for 2017 E-Series cutaway. Customers can choose from the new 6.2-liter V8 or the standard 6.8-liter V10.

The 6.2-liter V8 engine’s single-overhead-cam design and dual-equal variable cam timing help optimize power through the entire power range. The engine is E85 flex fuel-capable – meaning it can run on unleaded gasoline or E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline).

A CNG/propane gaseous engine prep package is available for conversion to compressed natural gas or propane autogas. An E-Series cutaway with the CNG/propane package can be upgraded with aftermarket upfits to bi-fuel capability – enabling it to run on either unleaded gasoline or natural gas.

[Biker16]

Neither did I.

 

If the 6.2L is going to be fitted into the E350/450 then whatever issue there was that prevented it from being placed in the F350/450 must have been resolved.

 

It will be detuned..... alot.

[NLPRacing]

6.2 V8 to show up in E-Series cutaways and chassis next year:

 

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2016/03/01/2017-ford-transit-lineup-new-engine-for-e-series-chassis-cutaway.html

 

Good news that I did not see coming.

 

It didn't say anything about transmissions, anybody know if the E-Series will get the 6 speed auto when it gets the 6.2L? Will it be getting the 3V V10 or will it still have the 2V V10?

[MGolden]

Truck of the year

http://m.worktruckonline.com/news/261259/ford-f-650-750-named-2016-medium-duty-truck-of-the-year

[twintornados]

Looks like 5.4L Triton is getting phased out.....

[Biker16]

Looks like 5.4L Triton is getting phased out.....

It looks that way.

[7Mary3]

 

It will be detuned..... alot.

 

Really? Is the cooling system really that bad the engine would need to be de-tuned for a 14,000# GVW van? I am not doubting what you say, it just seems the 6.2L isn't that marginal.

[fordmantpw]

 

Really? Is the cooling system really that bad the engine would need to be de-tuned for a 14,000# GVW van? I am not doubting what you say, it just seems the 6.2L isn't that marginal.

 

I don't think so. The 6.2L has a GCWR of up to 22,500 lbs in an F350 Chassis Cab. I don't see why it couldn't handle a 14k GVW van just fine.

 

http://www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/chassis-cab/specifications/towing/

[zipnzap]

Speaking of engines in vans, GM apparently seems to be dropping the 6.6 Duramax from the Express/Savanna...

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f22/duramax-express-savanna-242273/

...and are adding the 2.8 Duramax + an 8-speed:

http://www.worktruckonline.com/news/story/2016/03/gm-to-offer-diesel-powered-full-size-vans.aspx

Though, oddly enough, they boast about the 6.6l in their 2016 press releases:

http://www.chevrolet.com/express-cutaway-van.html

http://media.gmc.com/media/us/en/gmc/vehicles/savana-cutaway/2016.html

http://media.gmc.com/media/us/en/gmc/vehicles/savana-cargo/2016.html

http://media.gmc.com/media/us/en/gmc/vehicles/savana/2016.html

http://www.chevrolet.com/express/cargo.html

http://www.chevrolet.com/express/passenger.html

[Biker16]

Really? Is the cooling system really that bad the engine would need to be de-tuned for a 14,000# GVW van? I am not doubting what you say, it just seems the 6.2L isn't that marginal.

 

 

I don't think so. The 6.2L has a GCWR of up to 22,500 lbs in an F350 Chassis Cab. I don't see why it couldn't handle a 14k GVW van just fine.

 

http://www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/chassis-cab/specifications/towing/

 

2 thoughts:

 

1) the 6.2 was designed to replace the V10, thus it develops more power than the V10 in the E450..... unless you read the fine print.

 

For the F-series Chassis cab.

385 hp, 405 lb.-ft. of torque for trucks 10,000 lbs. GVWR and under; 316 hp, 397 lb.-ft. of torque for trucks 10,001 lbs. GVWR and above.

 

BTW this engine AFAIK is only offered on the F-350

 

So.... IMO when ford places the 6.2 in a true severe duty truck they have to detune it. it also speaks to the fact the V10 is still offered on the F-series Chassis cab.

 

2) Ford is replacing the the 255 HP @ 4,500 RPM/350 lb.-ft. Torque @ 2,500 RPM 5.4 with the minimum 6.2 at 316 hp, 397 lb.-ft which is a huge improvement over the 5.4 and in my opinion is more than is needed for the E-350, and will convince alot of E450 buyer to select it over the V10.