Last night I found the dreaded "53" on my block. Only it is on the passenger side. I can see it by standing on the passenger side of the engine compartment and looking below the oil filter. I looked at the driver's side and found a series of much smaller numbers. So does this mean I have the bad "53," or are they any different? I kept seeing people describing the bad "53" as having those numbers on the drivers side. Thanks.

 

mines on the passenger side.....

 

I have heard rumors of this before, but never seen it. Could one of you take some pics of the 53 and give more info on where it is located on the block? I want to put the pics on my 53 Block FAQ web page.
http://www.Stamey.Info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

Thanks,
Chris

 

I have to double check to be sure....if it is I will most ddefinitely send you a pic....pm me your e-mail address.

Great info on your site, BTW.....

 

Ok where exactly on the passenger side is the 53? Is it close to the oil return line from he turbo? I have nothing stamped on the driver’s side but a series of numbers.

 

you have to crawlunder the truck to see it....right above the oil pan and the numbers are about an inch high....

 

Ok I did do that and can't see anything obvious. I wasn't sure if it might be behind my AC compressor or was further back. Thanks for the help

 

Finding out you have the dreaded "53" is like discovering "666"!

You have two choices;

A) Just keep driving and don't worry about it.
B) Trade it in.

I'm starting to consider option B.

 

Discovering a "53" is not the end of life as we know it.
There are many, many "53" blocks on the road.
The folks that have problems seem to be those that tow 'heavy' frequently, or those that build with boxes/injectors/turbos in search of serious torque.

 

I have the 53, and don't really care. But for all of you guys looking for it, it's stamped on the bottom passenger's side of the block. The number is big, you won't need a magnafiying glass to find it. If you change your own oil, it'll slap you in the face while your changing the oil...that's how I discovered it. Also, mine has a 53 in the first few digits of a code that is on the valve cover. This sticker on mine is on the very front pannenger side, right around the injection pump.

There are a few things I am not sure why people worry so much about:
1) If they have a 53 block
2) Who really own Cummins
3) When the contract on Cummins will end and if it going to go in a Ford.

You only live once guys, don't worry so much and take what life dishes out as it comes.

 

You guys that have a 53, was your truck made in Mexico?

 

I'm not sure if i got this right, but i believe the 53 blocks are cast in Brazil, other versions cast in Mexico, then all blocks shipped back to cummins in Ohio, motors assembled, then motors shipped back to the various truck assembly plants. So basically you can get a 53 block from any truck assembly plant. Its just luck of the draw with what you got, or unluck.

 

 

I'll try and send you pictures too, but it'll be a while.

My question is: It seems like the molds must have been changed for there to be "53" on two different sides of the engine. Is there any chance that the problem is only with the "53" of the drivers side?

 

a 53 is a 53...end of story. Youve got a 53 learn to live with it or get rid of it.