Looking for a little advice. I have the dreaded cracked 53 in my truck now and found a nice replacement but it does not have a casting number, is this an issue that I should be worried about? I would be purchasing this from a nationwide auto recycler and they are telling me that it is ok.

Thanks for your help.

 

I have heard of other people saying their block does not have a casting number. All is well though if it doesn't have the 53 stamp.

 

I just put a cluthch in an '01 chassis cab and while I was under there I was looking at the block and didn't see a casting number either. I was wondering what the deal was too. Just curious. No 53, good to go I guess. Roger that!

 

The Mexican blocks have a small series of numbers and letters in the same location as the '53'. Its not exactly a casting number but is an identifier re: the mex blocks, which are considered the strongest in regards to metallurgy.

Kurt

 

You would think but there is a memeber here that bought a used block and someone had apparantely ground off the #53 !!!!

 

Do I understand you correctly that the mex made motors are good to go? I believe my truck was made in Saltillo and although haven't checked whether my block is 53 or not, am assuming that the motor was made there too. One of these days I'll check, but so far haven't noticed any coolant levels dropping. Thanks.

 

i checked the history of the vehicle and it was assembled in Mexico, any chance it would have a brazillian block? Probably impossible to know for sure but were trucks also assembled in Brazil?

 

Diesels assembled in Saltillo. Blocks cast in Mexico, Brazil, US and perhaps other countries unknown. Cummins Dodge engines are assembled from these blocks from various areas and assembled at one assy plant in MI, IIR. Engines are sent to assemblly plants were required. I believe all Ram diesels are assembled in Saltillo. Most Regular gasses are generally assembled in Missouri IIR.

 

my 98.5 has no casting number where the pictures show one, atleast I cant see it, feel it, feels like there are smaller numbers, could i some how not have a 53 block

 

Most likely its a Mexican block if the numbers are about a quarter inch tall.

 

I will let you know what I find. I purchased the motor today and once I get it will take a close look at the block for any numbers.

 

well the block showed up and it has the 53 cast on the drivers side! How could they miss it!!!! They are taking it back and refunding my money so I guess its back to searching for a new one!

 

Were on the drives side, could you take a picture.

My truck was assembled in St Louis I believe,

 

I have a picture but dont know how to post it on here and it exceeds the 500kb limit. It is located towards the front of the block just above the oil pan.

 

Well, that sucks. However, just remember that even though it is a 53 block the chances of it cracking are slim at best. You always hear about all the bad things on these forums but there are several high hp trucks at CF with a 53 block and no issues.