I'm looking into getting a '01 2500 and i was wondering how to tell if it has a 53 block or not i'm a newbie and need some info..thanks

Tank

 

Well, for starters, there are probably literally hundreds of posts regarding that issue. Also, go to google and type "53 block" and you will probably get thousands of links on that issue. Here is a link that should give you all you need to know and more. Good luck

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

 

a word of warning...they can and DO crack. It can be rare but with the cost of a new block (10k+) why would you ever chance it?

 

Yes...do not chance, they can and do crack. Mine is leaking as we speak. I have called Cummins 3 times now. Very nice over the phone but no response back. I am at 112,000 miles right now. I sure wish I would have read these posts before I bought my truck. I would have stayed so far away from that deal. I plan to try to fix mine when the weather gets warmer. I am going to try some sort of epoxy. Probably go with Devcon Titanium putty. Good luck finding a truck.

Brian
Missouri

 

That's funny! This thread is giving the exact opposite advice that I got only a week ago!!!

I had the same question, 1999 with a 53 block ... should I buy? The overwhelming response was to ignore the 53 block. The vehicle has 120k, so the recommendation I got was to check the block out (passenger side, between rear two freeze plugs, below turbo, where the block curves back). I was told "if it hasn't cracked yet, it probably won't."

Needless to say, I took the advice, had the dealer put the vehicle on a lift ... no crack ... nothing ... clean black shiny block!!! So guess what, I bought the truck.

I am lead to believe that the majority of 99's are the 53 bock. I really don't think the block has been that much of a problem, considering how many of them are on the street. I think the rare cases reported have caused paranoia.

Everyone is going to give you "their" opinion, unfortunately the final decision is going to be yours. I took the advice given to me when I posted the same question ... guess I got my advice from the other side of the fence!

Good luck with your decision.

BTW: You'll find the numbers "53" on the driver side of block, just above the lip of the oil pan, if it's the "dreaded" 53 block.

Cheers,
Andrew

 

I have searched and searched and have been able to find no 53 on my 99.

Also several other 99's I looked at had no 53. I think they are rarer than you think.

 

Not from me... I believe I told you to pass on it.

I researched a ton of stuff before I bought mine......knew all about tje LP's and injector pumps and just about everything else (including the #53)...at the time I didnt give the 53 a second thought and didnt think it was a big deal....but t sure is a big deal if it cracks and you are on the hook for replacing it. I will be getting rid of mine at some point (likely before the engine warranty runs out). My 2 cents.

 

Tool, when I started looking for a truck, I went to a lot where the guy deals in used Dodge and Ford diesels. Everything (4-5 trucks) I looked at in my price range was a "53", bar one.

I would not have taken so long (6+ months) to buy a truck if it was not for reading about the "53" on this forum. Nearly every truck I looked at (24 valve) was a "53". I shyed away from 24's because of this and started looking at 12 valves, but couldn't find anything in decent shape ... which brought me back to where I started off.

I own it now, so there's no point in getting all freaked out by the block. She's done her first owner right, hopefully she'll be just as kind to me!

I don't intend on turning her into a high performance beast, which I have read might cause the block to fail. I intend on getting a few more horsepower and torque for towing my rig and that's it!

Here's a link to the thread I started regarding the truck I purchased: https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...threadid=58352

Cheers,
Andrew

 

Well I think ur 100% right
Don't sweat it!!! No point.

Any of them could blow up tommorow.

The odds are definitely in your favour.

Could have something to do with the trucks in your area??? I see ur from CA.

Maybe more 53's got California emmsions standards and such

 

I have a 53 block, is there a chance of it cracking, definatley. Am I worried about it, NO. This is a rare problem that has led to a lot of paranoia. There are thousands of these engines in Dodges, heavy equipment and delivery trucks all over and very few of them crack. That being said if you have one dont worry, if you are looking at buying one its just something to consider.

 

The chances of a #53 cracking a very real. A shop I stop by from time to time has them lined up outside. Most of these are stock trucks.

 

yup.....I guess some people like to deny it and then bury their heads in the sand

 

I've noticed this topic gets beat to death on a regular basis.

Without "true experience" from a Cummins representative or a Cummins shop, who can show/prove REAL numbers, this subject is going to continue to be backed by nothing but rumors and hearsay! We all know there are some blocks out there that have given their owners problems, but all we hear are the horror stories ... just like lift pumps, injector pumps, KDP's, etc. I'd really like to hear the opinion of a Cummins diesel mechanic, who has had experience working with these engines, day in and day out!

I think this forum represents a very small percentage of Cummins owners. If you were to take a poll of everyone on here who owns a "53 block", and has had it crack, I think you'd be surprized by how few there would be.

How many "53 block" engines do you think are out there? I shudder to imagine. If this was such the "major problem" everyone is making it out to be, don't you think the blocks would have been recalled? Come on, the "Cummins" name tarnished for not addressing a MAJOR ISSUE, I don't think so! Cummins' existence depends on their reputation for durability and longevity!

I read another post where the member ended by stating; "Sometimes, ignorance is truly bliss", I think he might have something there! There are farmers and daily drivers alike who don't subscribe to these forums, who suffer little to no problems with their vehicles. Yet we demand on subjecting ourselves to this endless paranoia!

Cheers,
Andrew

 

attaboy!

 

Be it far from me to start controversy.....BUT, I assume that you are new here and this is your FIRST Cummins diesel truck...correct?

I for one, am not NEW to owning a Cummins and a lot of the experienced guys here will also tell you the same thing - these trucks are NOT without problems (thats why we are all here right?? - in fact, this board probably wouldnt exist if it wasnt for the common problems found with these trucks). Much like you, I used to have a very high opinion of Cummins.....but just so you know, Cummins/Dodge has let people down....ie, #53 blocks, Killer Dowel Pin (thats a biggie) the whole lift pump/Injector pump fiasco, fifth gear nut, (there are others that escape me at the moment)....there are a number of very common problems and neither Cummins or Dodge has stepped up to the plate to admit there COULD be anything wrong with their design - when clearly there is. So, your point " Without "true experience" from a Cummins representative or a Cummins shop" doesnt really hold alot of water with me - theyll never ADMIT that there is anything wrong with their design will they? Why then are there so many guys running fuel pressure guages?? Why are so many different people here asking the same questions for the same fixes over and over again??

Thinking that Cummins would "recall" the blocks in these truck is LAUGHABLE....Cummins sells these motors to DC for CHEAP (ie NO warranty)...they would never recall engine unless the cranks were falling out and dropping on the road. Cummins is a business and its primary objective is to make money (if you dont believe this drop by and buy a few parts) and try to make decent engines that last for the least amount of money. Right?

Please guys dont take everything mother Cummins says as gospel....you have to use a little common sense and experience as well....my 2 cents.