Staff writer
Diesel fuel leaking into its radiator will sideline Florence’s ambulance for at least two weeks. Marion’s reserve ambulance has been repositioned there in the interim.
An annual inspection by Midway Motors revealed damage in the radiator, EMS director Brandy McCarty told commissioners Monday.
“He opened up the radiator, and it was like a root beer float in there,” McCarty said.
The 2005 vehicle is no longer under warranty. Hillsboro Ford bid $10,681 to address the problem by replacing injector sleeves.
Purchasing a new engine would cost around $15,000, she said, and the repair, which would come with a two-year warranty, wouldn’t guarantee that the problem would cease.
Commissioner Randy Dallke said it might be financially sound to pay for a new engine.
Commissioner Lori Crawford recommended getting another quote from Webster Auto Services.
In order to expedite the process to return the ambulance to service, McCarty agreed to keep in contact with commissioners throughout the week.
“It is an ambulance,” Chairman Dan Holub said. “We’ve got to get it done.”
Commissioners will address the progress at Tuesday’s commission meeting.