i was woundering if somone could tell me what years to look out for the 53 block.

 

I'm not sure, but I think they are most predominantly '99 and '00. Some 01's.

 

And how/where do you look?

Also, why is the 53 block bad?

Dan

 

This 53 block thing has been blown out of proportion. If you are looking at two trucks and can't decide which one it may be worth the tie breaker, but don't pass up a good truck because of this. It has only been a problem in very few trucks to date and so far I have only heard of it in trucks that have been bombed to the hilt or rode hard in the name of commercial hauling. For the normal consumer I don't think you will find any increase in problems with this case than you do in any other casting of cases, it's just when one of these goes bad it is advertised as a known fault and when any other type go bad they just treat it as a part of owning the truck and quietly fix it.

 

98-01 and maybe some early 02's. The 53 blocks were a thinner casting. Thinner water jackets which can cause them to crack. You can find the stamping on the drivers side front just above the oil pan. sometimes it can also be found on the passenger side. there is a website that has a lot of info on it but I cant remember off hand what it is. I havent had any problems with mine yet, but I wish I would have checked before I bought the truck. Maybe I could have gotten a little better deal.

 

There were some 12 valve 53 blocks in 98, but I don't know if they were considered a problem like the 24 valves- anybody ever seen a 12 valve 53 block crack?

Anyway, I work on these trucks all the time, and know of several 53 block trucks, one is a tow truck with almost 500,000 km on it, all these trucks and I've only ever seen one crack in all these years. So the problem's not quite as huge as it gets made out to be.

 

I'm glad to see someone with experience talking sense. I, too, have the 53 and have 130K miles on it. I'll start worrying when I see the green stuff on the ground!

Dr. Evil, you're up!

 

Mine's a 53 block also and so far no problem. Good to read that it's not quite the problem some would describe.

 

I couldn't agree more. If it happens, I will worry about it then but not right now and yes I do have alot of miles on one.

 

It might not be a predominant problem, but the 'up to 7000.00' to fix it is worth keeping your eye out not to buy one.

 

It may be a problem for those who still owe on their truck. Mine is all paid for so drive it like you stole it till the engine won't go no more (cracked block,spun bearings whatever....) and drop in a new engine. I'm keeping my intense blue baby forever.

 

i know that it has probably been blown out of proportion but when you have plans laid out to have a 600+hp truck, you want the best of the best

 

The 98 24v i had before the 03 was a 53 and spent 90% of its life dragging a trailer and had ann extra 120 hp I traded it off at 270k and never had a problem with the motor . the wife's truck has the same motor 130k no problems. so some of it is overblown and could be just luck of the draw

 

Like it was said earlier , it is the luck of the draw...... I have done many block exchange with cust. paying for the labor and consumables, and have many more calls about what is available for help from Cummins. So remember that right now policy is anything under 150,000 will get help from Cummins for a new block , but all consumables and labor is to be paid by the Customer.... to me that is above and beyond since Cummins sold these engines to DC without any warrantee.

 

With an attutude like that - no doubt youll be next.

There was another guy - both him and you tagteamed on me.....TAZMAN. He doesnt come around much since HIS block cracked.

You guys can deny it all you want so you can sleep at night....but Haulin in Dixie, had not one but TWO cracked blocks.....obviously it IS an issue. Whether you choose to believe it or not - well thats up to you.