Hey guys, after leasing an '88 ambulance conversion (diesel)for a few months, I've purchased my own '93 E-350 extended Cargo. Now I've got some questions that I think will be quickies for gurus.

I'm pretty certain it's a 5.8L. How do I know for sure? Is there a VIN decode list somewhere?

What is the towing capacity? Or what do I have to know to find out?

How do I change the time on the radio?? It looks like a base model OEM radio.

When the van is turned on, the mileage defaults to the odometer (even if I had the trip up prior). Is this normal?

How would you run >6gauge wire from the battery to behind the driver's seat? (inverter)

What's the alternator rating? Or how do I find out?

What kind of highway mileage is typical? Moderately loaded.


I'm going to use the van to run some local auto racing events. All the pylons, tents, tables, fire bottles, timing equipment will be stored inside. There will also be a computer hard mounted inside to run timing and scoring from the driver's seat. I've thrown down some plywood as a floor and built a plywood bulkhead. I'm going to run some wires for 120VAC power outlets from either an inverter (low loads)or an outside generator (high loads). I'm also planning on towing my own car as often as I can get a trailer so I can participate in the race.

Thanks all.

Jay W
505/287 Dakota

 

Take a look at the vin plate or door jamb data sticker.. The 8th digit will be the engine code.. N for 5.0 (302) or H 5.8 (351).. Should be casted into the plenuim as well as to displacement..

The door data sticker will give you the axles ratings/GVW ratings if this info is needed for the van's load.. I'd have to look for towing capacities.. Maybe another member will have them handy..

The radio.... Depends.. alot of them could have been changed by now and interchange between MY's..
If it has a 'clock' button, press and hold it, then, use the 'Seek' right arrow to change minutes, and left arrow to change hours..

If it has a Volume 'push' for clock, push and hold the volume in, then same thing only use the 'Tune' arrows for right/left to change time and minutes in the same manor..

The trip 'will' default to the odometer if the key is cycle off....

Alternators are 95 and 130 amp.. The 130 has a much larger case.. see pics..

95 amp...

[IMG]local://upfiles/6756/4FE0C9E2282D4B56ABFE6769B01D1ED4.jpg[/IMG]

130 amp...

[IMG]local://upfiles/6756/F4603B669F4D4C18B5E58565104FE8C0.jpg[/IMG]