I am searching for a 1996 - 1998.5 Dodge with the 12 valve engine and manual transmission. I like the idea of the extended cab short box the 1998 models offer but are limited in availability. As I search this site looking for the pitfalls, how do I identify the dreaded 53 block. I know about the KDP and 5th gear nut on the 5 speed tranny. Your wise counsel will be appreciated.

 

You may look in the earlier posts about this, as a lot of print has been used on this subject. There are some good pictures to show you where to look. If I remember correctly, there are two places to look. On the passenger side of the block, close to where the oil pan meets the block, you will see the number 53 cast into the metal. On the driver side, again where the pan and block meet, you can see the same thing. Both castings are about in the middle of the block. Again, if my memory is correct. A flashlight helps. Good luck.

 

No need to search on this site. (You'll be reading forever!)

One of our members has created his own page about the infamous "53 Block".

Click here to go to it!

 

Well I've never heard of a 53 block cracking in a 12v, and I'm not worried either as I have a 53 block in my '98 that has dynoed well over 600hp, drag races and sled pulls.

The 53 came out in 1997 so many of them do have it. The easiest place to find it is on the front driver-side corner of the block, just above the oil pan/behind the vacuum pump.

 

I was hoping that somebody would post the pictures of the 53 block. I knew that they were there, but where is another story. Nicely done, thanks.

 

Why would the number of valves or type of I.P. affect the tendency of these "53's" to crack? Maybe far fewer were put in 12-valve applications and consequently we don't read about them as much. My "53" went out @17,500 miles. I think that is the record. Of course they replaced it with another "53"!

 

I don't know why the 24v are prone and the 12v not. The 53 coming out in 97 also meant it was installed in bigger equipment too, not just our trucks. But in all the years I've been involved with the diesel boards (since 1998) I haven't heard of anyone cracking a 12v.

 

I think it has to do with the "harmonic vibration" differance btw the 24v and 12v. I wouldn't give it a second thought in a 12v but that might be me.
TNutcher

 

Go into the Chapters and events section, and look up the California chapter #21 thread...we put pictures up of my old 98.5 24 valave block coming out with close ups of the bad crack it had..