Can you find out if a truck has a 53 block by look at he engine #, or do you have to find it located on the side of the block?

 

You have to crawl under the truck and look at the block

 

I doubt the engine serial number would somehow have that info. The "53" is a casting pattern number - a number used to identify a specific pattern used by the foundry. It was not meant to specifically identify a block. Regardless, it would be much quicker to just get under the truck and shine a flashlight below the IP and look for the number....you can't really miss it. The number text is about 1.5" tall.

 

please fogive my ignorance but whats the IP

 

IP = Injector Pump.

And the #53 casting can be on the drivers side or BOTH sides:

http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

 

Just a note, not all 53 blocks have been found to have the "thin" cyclinder/cooling wall. I believe it's those cast in Brazil. BUT, there's really no way to check unless you pop out the freeze plugs in the area prone to cracking and check the thickness.

 

Proof?

#53 is one pattern from one foundry.

 

If your reffering to the purdy red truck in your other post that you are thinking about trading for, the 99-early 01 only had the 53 block, so that 02 shouldnt have it.

 

98 - 01 could have the 53.

 

I was looking at the '99 too.

 

As I stated, others on DTR have posted info stating the block wall thickness has been found to be "thicker" on some 53 blocks vs others. I do understand your point.

 

it will either crack or not. The high mile 98.5 had the 53 it was overworked and had added power never a problem

 

.......or it could have been ground off, hit with a DA, and painted shiny black to match the rest of the engine.

 

Scary but true.