smiller4597

How do I know its a 53 block and where does it crack?

Thanks

Gilberts2500Ram

http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htmThat should do it.

smiller4597

Found it... On my block and the one I want to buy both manfactured 01/98 Both trucks have nearly 250K on them and no signs of trouble. Mine never needs coolant.

madhat

Good deal. Glad that you found what you were looking for...

Now you can fill out your sig if you so desire... Click on user CP in the top left corner, then edit signature. Show off what you got!

Welcome to the DTR.

-mad

swordfish

ok...I have looked on my block on both the passenger and drivers side and I don't see any casting numbers. Is "no news good news" or am I missing something?

swordfish

Truckman0097

smiller - I am glad you found what you needed - and if you are at 250K with no trouble, thats good to hear.

Swordfish - from what I have read on other threads, if you have a 53 block it is pretty obvious when you look for it - but if you don't have one, there may or may not be any markings, so sounds like your right "no news is good news"

qwest

if small numbers spread out, mexico block , supposed to be good..
check eng data plate, probably in spanish.

Chass

I have looked at a few of them trying to determine which block they have. I was pretty sure that the string of numbers I found meant that it was not a 53.

I looked at one last night for someone and I couldn't see any numbers on it. It was a 2wd 2000. The angle that I had to get my head in there at was too low and I couldn't see the numbers. I did however stick my fingers up above the lip where the oil pan bolts on and feel a distinct 2 digit number. Tracing them with my finger I could tell it was a 53.

My truck has a string of numbers on the block up way higher than the the 53 was on my friends truck.

So, if you don't see any numbers that doesn't mean you are in the clear. Try feeling down low along the bottom of the block under the power steering pump.

Chass
ct

smiller4597

53 was very easy to see once I knew where to look. It is just under the P.S. pump on the front left side of the block. No other numbers, just 53. I really dont think I am going to have any problems on mine or this other one I have decided to buy. If no problems after 230K on both.... I had the VIN numbers checked on both trucks and the only warrenty work on either one has been the lift pumps. 1998 3500 CTD 4X4 dually and sounds and drives as it should, very clean w/new tires is worth $8900 IMHO.

glenn-k

Mine cracked at 147000 appx.

Jim Dynomite

Mine cracked at 115K. If you drive like me, it will crack.

Then again some guys just use things for grocery getters.

Towing heavy loads in the mountains is what cracks them, the constant hot and cold cycle from going up and down the hills.

You can find plenty of non-53's for that price. I'd pass.

.........Jim

smiller4597

These trucks are not easy to come by in this neck of the woods (bunch of them lifted, lowered and used for show or the wife to show off). I need it for work and to tow a large boat in the mountains but not up and down the mountains. Plus it matches my other truck to a tee other than it needs a front leveling kit. both trucks bone stock and will be used for carrying building materials and hauling crew.

Jim Dynomite

Once bitten twice shy I guess, sorry! There are a couple things you can do to keep it cool.

Switch to Evans Cool waterless coolant, and de-grease the fan side of the radiator. It picks up the oil from the breather tube from the fan blade, and gets really clogged.

Also, keep it stock. Words to live by.

.........Jim

glenn-k

I drive like you, Jim.

What did you do about the crack?

Jim Dynomite

Cummins paid $4500.00 to swap out my block and put all my old parts in a 56 block.

That was the deal for original owners back in 2003. I heard about the $1000.00 dollar deal and laughed.

I guess anything from Cummins is better than nothin' though. Basically they are paying full retail for the block.

....Jim