1999 Dodge cummins 24V with 200k. 4x4, Ex Cab. Dually, Air Exhaust, 4" Exhaust and chipped.

What is happening is that I am losing radiator fluid between head and block on the passenger side of motor.
Is this a common problem and a typical head gasket repair, or are there other things that could be causing this??

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

I'd put money on a cracked block. And I'd put more on it being a #53 casting...

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

I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but it is fixable, there have been many that are pleased with the lock-n-stich repair.

 

I just reread your post... Depeding how hot your chip is you MIGHT have blown a HG, how much boost are you seeing? (you do have gauges, right)

And welcome to DTR!

 

The #53 Cummins boat anchor. Yes you got the same problem that many others have with this block. I don't know what is happening on mine but I'll post something if I get any satifaction. So far Cummins doesn't consider this a big enough issue to do anything about.

 

the o-ring on the water pump will blow sometimes and cause the coolant to leak out of there. you have to buy a new water pump to fix that problem there like $100

 

Let's all jump on the #53 boat anchor bandwagon. That's 2 thread's about 99's leaking and most posters just pounce on the thread with OH GOD IT'S A #53. Just cause it's leaking water don't mean squat. I love my 350K+ miles #53 block!

Now back to regular programing.................

If the leak is under the thermostat on the corner of the block then it's just the head gasket and a very common place to leak. I have some pics in my... oh heck that place where we have pictures!.

 

The 53 blocks usually crack and leak a couple of inches below the head gasket line. If the water is coming out above that point you've blown a haed gasket, which isn't all that uncommon depending on what you mean by "chipped". Stacking 2 timing boxes would do it.

 

I am going to go with a HG dodgeman...That is where mine is/was leaking at. Right where the block and head meet, behind the thermostat housing. It was a little hard to find. But some sealer in it to by time till I can pull the head.