Gee, HID--- how'd you come to learn so much about these darn 53 blocks??[nonono][verymad][tapdshut]

Not to disagree but I had a Mexican block in my 01.5 that gave me some serious problems. I blew a head gasket, replaced it, and immediately blew it again. Head was planed and found to be true. Pulled the head back off and found the top of the block be off big time. After we pulled the engine, we found a very distinctive slant from the middle of number 3 hole all the way to the front of the engine that ended with a 0.010" gap at the front of the block between the head. Needless to say I think someone might have made a mistake that day on the machining. No issues with the cast but I am not so sure about the quality of the machining.

Found the problem it was the water pump [duhhh] [dummy] leak stopped[laugh] thanks guys for all the good info!!! Chris On to the next thread installed the 62/71/13!!

The purpose of the board is so that we can get together and collectively aid in information. It worked, your truck is fixed. Glad we could help.

Good to know. I think most people think of the Mexican blocks as better in the sense of the casting quality.

The machining of these blocks isn't done at the foundry, so the place of casting is irrelevant as far as I can see. I'm pretty sure the blocks are machined elsewhere-- Columbus, perhaps?

Not sure. I spoke with a former Cummins employee who thought they were also machined in Mexico but I don't really know. I don't think it is a big issue but have found 5 other guys who have seen the same exact issue. Swapped the block and back in business.