Still looking at the '01 CTD Ram and was a little concerned about the #53 block I have read some bad things about. I got some numbers off of the drivers side valve cover. They are:

53040 (the 53 in the front of this number worries me)
2020AD
Label P/N 3935805

The owner searched the front of the block just above the oil pan and couldn't find the stamped number in the block. Do any of the numbers above confirm that the engine in this truck does or doesn't have the dreaded #53 block? The truck has 67,000 miles on it and I don't want to have to deal with a cracked block down the road. The owner said there are no oil leaks now.

Thanks for any help.

 

the 53 will be very visible if it is there , from what i understand, hopefully an expert will chime in.

 

Go to this web site.

http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins...NewInformation

I believe the 53 on that sticker means nothing, it has to be stamped on the block. But don't take my word for it.

 

What makes the # 53 block something to worry about???

 

Simply, the worry is that the block will crack. These blocks have thinner water jacket walls than other blocks so with coolant cavitation, corrosion, coolant pressure in the block and torque, they may crack losing coolant. This happens most often on engines that are moded or under heavy loads. Some may crack but lose very little coolant at first, the problem showing up much later.

 

holiday,thank you for that web address,very informitive,has spring sprung up there yet?lol