I have '99 ctd, I can't seem to see any 53 on the block below the inj. pump. Am I looking for big numbers or small numbers? I do know that the truck was man'd in mexico and there is a sticker on the valve cover with the number 53040 on it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

If it is a 53 the numbers are about 1 inch high. Get under the drivers side front of the truck. Use a flashlight, when you look up at the VP44 you will see a wiring loom at the front drivers side of the engine, right where the oil pan and block connect. If yours is a 53 the number should be a couple of inches too the rear of the engine, level with the wiring loom and down from the VP44. My 2000 did not have a number it was a Mexican block and I looked and looked for the number. All I could find was a series of numbers letters that were about 1/2 inch high in this general area. On my 2002 when I checked to see what number it might have it was very easy to see the #56 where I discribed it. Good luck. Hope you don't find a #53.

 

thanks your were right on. unfortunately it is a 53. just have to keep an eye on things.

 

Well, I just found out my block is the "dreaded 53" :'( and I'd never known what to look for without all your wisdom. Oh well, I'll just run it and watch it (hope it cracks before 100K miles though). I'm wondering if the cracking blocks have any correlation to increased performance (injectors, chips, etc.)? I know historically you crank up Cummins to 400+ HP so I'm wondering if the stock version of the 53 block will hang in there for a while even if it's not as much fun to drive?

 

I personally think this whole &quot;53&quot; block thing isn't as bad as some seem to think. I have a dreaded 53, and I haven't had one problem. If you stop and think how many 53's there are, and how many actually fail, I bet it's a very small percentage. If someone knows an actual failure rate lemme know. <br><br>Rick

 

The failure rate for the 53 block is only 2% so I wouldnt worry to much.

 

Well, I've got a 53 block too <br>I'll keep an eye on it. 78,000 miles so far.