I have heard about some code 53 blocks having some serious problems. My question is this...what is the problem and what years was it in production. I heard somewhere that it was in 99-00 model rams, but if this is true, is it in all the trucks through those years or just certain trucks. The reason I am asking is because I am in the process of looking for a 2500 Ram with the 24v Cummins engine in the 98.5-02 era and want to know what I should avoid. Had to sell my 06 and am having withdrawals from it so I need another diesel to fill the void in my life. My 06 was the best woman I ever had.

 

The "53-blocks" were Brazilian made blocks that had a manufacturing defect which caused them to develop a crack on the right side water jacket. Once the crack developed, they leak coolant. The 53 blocks appeared on 98-01 Dodge trucks, not all trucks of that era had the 53 block, and not all 53 blocks crack. There are many 53 blocks out there that never crack at all, however, if I was buying a truck, I would try to avoid one with a 53-block.

 

Look here! All the information you'll ever need.

 

thanks guys, its nice to see people want to help...Problem is I am looking at trucks on ebay so I will have to stick to the ones that are close enough to go look at unless I find a nice deal on an 02. Thanks again.

 

I have an 01' with the 53 block w/161k no crack. I hope you like noise? From an 06' to an 01' night and day in the noise catagory.

 

The noise is the best thing in these trucks! It shouldn't be a vacuum cleaner you know... Even if the cleaner has more power.

 

I really like the sound of the old 24V. On top of that I will probably end up putting 4" straight pipe on it on top of a list of about 50 other mods that I would like to do, though most of them are just wishful thinking. I would be interested to hear what people have done to their trucks as far as mufflers and see if anyone has found one that sounds good, but I guess thats another forum.

 

hay guys I'm new here and getting ready to buy a 99 24v to day actually.I checked the block #s its not a 53 block.I have heard some things about the front crank seal leaking after about 130 to 150,000 miles.the dowl pin is a 12v problem right?the 5th gear problem was solved years ago correct?some people tell me it was the nv4500 that went bad and others say it was the Getrag tranny that was bad.so witch one was it?The truck has 140,000mil on it and has some oil cake under the truck.I didn't see any white haze from the deconprestion valve.the leak pattern shows it either the main seal up front or the cdr valve.if it is the cdr valve that means blow buy correct?

I thank those that can help and look forward to chatting and discusing this great icon in diesel engineering.

 

since you have not purchased yet... do your self a great big favor and find a 12 valve instead of 24.

you will have much less issues keeping her going. not saying 24v are not good. just that 12v w/mechanical injection are much more durable than VP44 setup in 24v.

do a search for VP44...

 

Welcome to the site New Guys! Everyone has their preference on what truck they want.You have issues with all of them.You still have to maintain them.Maintanence is what I call it. I hope you find the one you want.Good luck! Cin

 

well this truck is no good it only has 140,000 miles and once it runs for about 15min it chokes a bunch of oil vapor out the cdr valve.I'm geussing had a rough 140 thou.
thanks for the info.

 

im new to diesels....how do i run this test?

 

how can you tell if its a 12v or a 24 valve?