What was the year that these trucks were known to crack a block? My little brother has a 99, and I havn't had a chance to look at it yet, but I'm kinda worried thats whats goin on. Last week he called me on the side of the road, sayin his truck was broke down. I got there, and it had just overheated cause the dumbA let the radiator leak all the coolant out.(Idiot doesn't know anything about trucks, the only reason he has a CTD is cause I talked him into gettin it for his first truck, but he could care less about it. I've tried to teach him about em, and hes more into girls and sports. Hes a senior in HS) Anyway, now he tells me as soon as he starts it up and gives it some gas, it starts poorin out water. Had the radiator checked, not that. All the hoses are good. I told him to check the water pump, course he didn't know where that is, so I'm gonna have to go check it out this afternoon. But hes tellin me the water is comin from the back of the engine, so that worries me. Yall have any idea whats goin on?

 

the 53 signature # is located on the front bottom of the block, driver side. OR a sticker may still be on the top of the valve cover. Begins w/ "53".

If it's is cracked you will see the fluid coming out of the pass side of the block just below the head. I'm sure others will chime in w/more details OR do a search on here for 53 block.....tons of info.

 

Ok thank you, I appreciate the info. Like I said, I'm gonna take a look at it this afternoon, but he told me its runnin downt the side of the oil pan, which doesn't sound good

 

freeze plug?

 

I hope so. I thought about that too. Stupid question, but where exactly is that on these, I've never had to change one. Is it up by the water pump?

 

freeze plugs are along the side of the block

 

There is also a freeze plug right on the back of the engine that could be causing the problem. You'll need a mirror to check it out.

 

I've seen one with a blown head gasket do the same thing. Just need to get in there and look around.

 

Ok thanks, I appreciate it. I didn't get a chance to look at it yesterday, but I'm gonna try to figure it out today

 

When he said twords the back of the engine I'm thinking heater hoses. Sounds like its a huge leak so it will be easy to spot but if you cant see it try to get your hands on a pump to pressureize the cooling system so you dont have to run it.

 

Ok. Ya he said it would leak all the water out really fast so its leaking bad

 

All that being said, sounds like he has a cracked 53 block.

 

All that being said, you are correct. I checked it out, and you can see the water coming out on the bottom of the block on the passenger side. Anybody know what it costs to replace the block in these?

 

www.car-parts.com

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PARTI...mZ300254136626