I'm in the market to purchase my first diesel truck. I'm going to be looking at a couple of trucks this weekend. One of the trucks is a very clean '99 auto 4x4.

1. Is there a way to check the LP or IP without a fuel pressure guage, and if so how do you do it?

2. I need to know exactly where (pics help) of where to look to know if the truck is a "53" block.

 

If it runs good, go by a parts store that has a code reader and see if any fault codes present.

 

You need to connect a fuel pressure gauge and check the pressure at WOT. That should tell you about the LP. You also need to connect an OBDII code reader(scanner) to the truck and check for codes; especially those relating to the VP44.

As regards the engine block number, I believe that you will find that on the drivers side of the block, just above the oil pan and below the injector pump. It's been awhile since I looked at mine, which is a "55". If you do a search for "53" block, you will probably find some photos. I would venture to say that the 99 truck probably has the "53" block.

 

Here's some good block info,

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