53 block again

[SAndreasen]

I have a 2000 2500 Cummins "53" block, 6 speed trans with 163K. No signs of any cracks, yet. Also, my engine is "P" pumped but that shouldn't have any effect on the block. There are an estimated 100,000 "53" blocks out there in Dodge land. Does anyone have a clue how many have cracked? And, under what condition /circumstances did they crack (towing, abuse, pulling, horsepower upgrades)? How many miles on the oldest "53" block that hasn't cracked? I guess what I'm asking is what percentage of that 100,000 have failed? If your "53" block hasn't developed cracks, will it in time? The "53" block is a death knell for anyone trying to sell one. I think we need some current information / feedback both from Cummins and TDR members. Dave -
2000 2500, 2005 3500 (SRW), 1984 W350 Crew Cab (Plum Crazy)

I wouldn’t worry about getting another engine until the one you have cracks it’s not like the engine doesn’t run after it cracks it still runs just Like it always did it just leaks anti freeze

 

[DavidC]

I was under the assumption all 5.9 24 valves have a plate where the mechanical lift pump use to reside then the electric pump bracket is mounted to that.

Dave

 

[SAndreasen]

I was under the assumption all 5.9 24 valves have a plate where the mechanical lift pump use to reside then the electric pump bracket is mounted to that.

Dave

I didn't know that the hole was there though otherwise that would be a simple fix for the problematic electric lift pump

 

[jgillott]

I didn't know that the hole was there though otherwise that would be a simple fix for the problematic electric lift pump

My memory is getting a little fuzzy with time, but I don't think the stock 24 valve cam had the ability to run the mechanical pump even tough the block still had the opening.

 

[DavidC]

My memory is getting a little fuzzy with time, but I don't think the stock 24 valve cam had the ability to run the mechanical pump even tough the block still had the opening.

You are right, no lobe.

Dave

 

[SAndreasen]

Of course because that would be to easy

 

[DavidC]

As far as I know the VP would not be able to take the pulse from a mechanical pump. I believe there are company's that can provide a 24 Valve cam with a lobe but I think those are for p pump conversions.

Dave

 

[RPNeet]

When I worked for Cummins in the 90's I was fortunate enough to visit the Walesboro plant where the engines being sold to Dodge where built. Needless to say very interesting. More interesting to note was the fact that they were sourcing block castings from two different suppliers. One was a domestic foundry of unknown name and Krupp of Brazil. You could tell which one was which as the Krupp blocks were a dark gun metal blue/gray and the US blocks were a light gray. I'd be curious to know if the bad blocks were coming from both sources or just one of them?????

 

[Jimmy Wood]

I have a 2000 2500 with the "53" block as well. I bought it used back in 2008 with 232,XXX miles on it. Didn't know about the whole 53 block at the time or I probably would have passed it up. But I flew up to Seattle WA to pick it up and drove it back to Camp Pendleton and the only problem I ever had was the truck over heating. The previous owner didn't keep it very clean. Caked on oil everywhere on the radiator. After a new radiator and a little cleaning she didn't have that problem any more. I'm the third owner, and the fellow I bought it off of was a construction worker and had it around six months before he was laid off(or fired for all I know) and needed to get rid of it. Supposedly the first owner bought it new and used it to haul his show cars around the state. Anyway, I check it pretty regularly and still have not found a crack. I'm right around 380,000 miles right now. I don't use it like I use to now that I'm back home on the farm but she still does everything I need when I need it. A correction to my previous statement, I have put two NV5600s in it. Other than that no "real big problems". Just change the oil regularly and rotate the tires and she'll be good. I think its a luck of the draw thing from what I've read of other 53 owners. I named mine Samantha, maybe that is why she hasn't cracked yet. Just my opinion. Good luck with yours.

 

[DavidC]

When I worked for Cummins in the 90's I was fortunate enough to visit the Walesboro plant where the engines being sold to Dodge where built. Needless to say very interesting. More interesting to note was the fact that they were sourcing block castings from two different suppliers. One was a domestic foundry of unknown name and Krupp of Brazil. You could tell which one was which as the Krupp blocks were a dark gun metal blue/gray and the US blocks were a light gray. I'd be curious to know if the bad blocks were coming from both sources or just one of them?????

From what I had read they all came from Brazil and some engineer there omitted some webbing/bracing that they thought was unnecessary.

Dave

 

[photowrite]

I have a 2000 2500 with the "53" block as well. I bought it used back in 2008 with 232,XXX miles on. I'm right around 380,000 miles right now. I don't use it like I use to now that I'm back home on the farm but she still does everything I need when I need it. A correction to my previous statement, I have put two NV5600s in it. Other than that no "real big problems". Just change the oil regularly and rotate the tires and she'll be good. I think its a luck of the draw thing from what I've read of other 53 owners. I named mine Samantha, maybe that is why she hasn't cracked yet. Just my opinion. Good luck with yours.

Why two NV5600 tranmissions in about 150k, seems like very short tranmission life?

James

 

[bob53magnum]

You have to find somebody who does this all the time.

 

[Jimmy Wood]

Why two NV5600 tranmissions in about 150k, seems like very short tranmission life?

James

I don't know if the one that was in it was original or not, but I tore it up in 2010. Had a buddy get stuck in a creek and, well, that was that. I bought a reman of the internet for the cheapest I could find. I don't remember what company. It gave out it in Sept of Oct of 2016. It got stuck in gear as I was driving. I limped it home, about five miles, drained the transmission and and found a piece of metal a little smaller than a dime in there. Took it out and put the new one in. I got a reman from Blumenthal in OKC this time and so far so good. When the guys at Blumenthal took my core apart they said the main bearing was about gone.

 

[photowrite]

I don't know if the one that was in it was original or not, but I tore it up in 2010. Had a buddy get stuck in a creek and, well, that was that. I bought a reman of the internet for the cheapest I could find. I don't remember what company. It gave out it in Sept of Oct of 2016. It got stuck in gear as I was driving. I limped it home, about five miles, drained the transmission and and found a piece of metal a little smaller than a dime in there. Took it out and put the new one in. I got a reman from Blumenthal in OKC this time and so far so good. When the guys at Blumenthal took my core apart they said the main bearing was about gone.

Well, the rebuild from Blumenthal will likely be a good one.

Cheers,

James

 

[DClark]

I wouldn’t worry about getting another engine until the one you have cracks it’s not like the engine doesn’t run after it cracks it still runs just Like it always did it just leaks anti freeze

If you are under the understanding that all "53 blocks" crack in much the same way, I am here to tell you that they don't. I have an '98 that came with a "53 block". I put 175K on it with relative easy use, some pulling but mostly town driving. On the way to work one day in the winter (cold weather) the temp went up to normal within about 2 miles, which was not normal. On the way home it began to smoke white smoke. I'm thinking I lost a head gasket. Next morning it had a puddle of greenish grayish goo under it, coolant and oil. Trailered it to my mechanic, he pulled it and could not find the source. It was an internal failure, not visible externally. I bought a non- 53 block recycle engine for $1800 and it is still running on that engine. 53 blocks are a ticking time bomb. If you can do it, get a different block.
DClark

 

[SAndreasen]

I am in the market for an engine I. Did a lot of research on these blocks when I bought my first 98 . there was one that was just repaired locally and I want to see how it does . I'm honestly thiking a couple cans off block sealer and run it . what's it gonna do riun the engine ? Oh wait a minute

 

[rickybobby]

My 53 block has 230 miles on it. Just spent a ton of money with body work, paint, after market wheels, tires and parts. Motor runs fine but I am worried that that like Steve said it may be a time bomb. Started getting prices on reman. long blocks. One company said they would accept my core as long as its not cracked. This seems to be the way to go for me. I plan to keep the truck for a while and at least Ill get something for my time bomb!

 

[DavidC]

My 53 block has 230 miles on it. Just spent a ton of money with body work, paint, after market wheels, tires and parts. Motor runs fine but I am worried that that like Steve said it may be a time bomb. Started getting prices on reman. long blocks. One company said they would accept my core as long as its not cracked. This seems to be the way to go for me. I plan to keep the truck for a while and at least Ill get something for my time bomb!

If you can swing it probably a good idea.

Dave

 

[DavidC]

I should probably also state to make sure the replacement is not a 53.

Dave

 

[rickybobby]

I did tell the salesperson that I was replacing the motor because it was a 53 block. He said that they rebuild the 53 blocks that aren't cracked for the commercial market. So even though I didn't ask but I will before I shovel out any cash. I'm sure its not going to be a 53 block.