Where do I look to see if I have the dreaded 53 block?

 

The lower passenger side where the block curves in.
53 is on the lower front on the drivers side, kind of hard to see

Im not sure if you are suppose to look from the top of the bottom.
Either way I couldnt find any 53 and its not leaking coolant

 

Found a 55 on lower passenger side towards the front. Sweet.

 

is it easiest to see from the top or the bottom?

 

I had to move some wire loom down by it and then could clearly see it from the top.

 

Mine didn't have it on the right in front of the turbo return but did have it on the left front above the oil pan flange - below the IP area. I understand some have it both places.

See this thread if you have a crack problem or want more info. https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=152734

The casting is weak and not warming up thoroughly will cause the crack -- not horsepower related. I don't have time for the warmup most of the time and therefore have the crack - to be repaired with LocknStitch --NOT WELDING -- DO NOT WELD A CRACKED 53 BLOCK. I have been a certified welder since 1974 and welding is not the way to do the repair.

 

I found mine pretty easily from the bottom on a creeper. Either side it is just above the pan flange. Doesn't have to be the same place on all blocks.

 

Ive looked all over on mine and all i can find is an "A"

isnt this where its suppose to be? (you can see the A in the upper right hand on the picture)

 

That is where mine is not I think - under the a/c compressor - here


Here is where mine is - front bottom of engine above the pan flange and below the wire harness that is about 1" or more diameter - access in front of the left front tire.



and here is my crack - light color is leaked coolant

 

well I looked on the other side and found a 23??? not 53..thats 23 clear as day

 

there is no number anywhere in that location on my block (on the drivers side or passengers)


is it behind the wheels (towards the back of the truck)
or in front of the wheels?

 

I found the page referenced here somewhere that tells a lot about the 53 block with pictures.

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

The pix of my 53 is straight in from the front of the left front wheel - the white looking triangular corner - top left of the picture is the left front frame rail. The 53 is just above the pan bolt flange. It is about 2 inches below the 23 and you need to look from the bottom. The wire harness you have pictured is likely right over the area where the 53 should be if you look from the bottom. It is about 6 inches back from the corner of the pan and about 1 or 2 inches above the pan bolts. The lines pictured on mine I think are the transmission cooler lines and they may be blocking the view of the number on yours --- IF it is there. It is near the steering arm from the steering box and it is just a little ways below the power steering pump.

 

I took the bolt out that held the wiring harness in. in the top right of the picture you can see my hand and at the very left you can see where the bolt is.
This picture was taking right underneath the IP from under the truck looking up.

Does anyone know if this look like a mexican block?

 

there is also nothing below those numbers and theres nothing but an A on the passengers side