I read the post about how to deterimine the engine type. I craweld under the left front of the truck today. The only thing I could recognize was the oil filter. Below and in front of this I found the following. 05 in abount 1/2 letters and below that 55 in 1 inch letters. Would this be a Brazilian or Mexican block. Or am I completey looking in the wrong place. I think if I read the artical correctly, it would be a Mexican block. You guys are great. Thanks.

Still learning;
cjthor
01, HO ext cab 6spd, 75k

 

55 Your good. Read this link, it should answer your questions. I've got the 55 block myself.

http://www.Stamey.Info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

 

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but have you read this thread?

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/f...d.php?t=126023

Pretty scary!

 

I am one of the lucky ones with a 53 block with 203k on it no crack yet but sometimes i wonder how long it will last . Has anybody tried welding them up with high nickel rod i have had good success on other cast iron blocks , exhaust manifolds , and an idler arm on a sugar beet topper 2'" in diameter. If mine cracks i think will give it a try .

 

Mines got a 53 blk in it, just found out last night. It has almost 300K of hard towing on it. Can't see anyrepair marks on it. I do have a bad head on it now-cracks along the inside exhast vaule seats, 5 out of 6, I also know the exhast man has been replaced along with the turbo. But the block looks like it has made it through-which surprises me

 

Thats the first I have heard of with a crack on any block except a 53. I ran a 55 for many thousands of miles loading it as heavy as it can be run.