Engine Block number "56"

[Pit Bull]

My 2000 did not have a number, and I know that several threads have talked about the block problems with "53" blocks. I thought the latest block number was "55" until I checked my new 2002 and it has a "56". Anybody know anything about the number changes and what they mean? I wonder what the 2003's show?

 

[tarussell]

56 Engine Blocks

Pit Bull, I just got my Cummins Parts catalog in and it has some info on the 56 block #'s.



On page 5 it states " Unpainted, structurally improved block first used on model year 2002".



My engine was made 11/27/01 and is a 56 # block. I don't know what is different but it must be good. Thomas

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Foe the life of me, *I* can't even FIND a number on my block like what keeps being discussed...

 

[Pit Bull]

Gary yours must be a "56" all 02's are. The number is on the drivers side directly under the VP44. It can only be seen from under the truck the numbers are about 1" above the oil pan. Can't miss them, they are almost 1" tall.

 

[Ncostello]

Dont feel bad Gary...

I moved harnesses and looked for about an hour over every inch of the block, both sides... and around the VP and power steering pump. I finally gave up. I saw some 1's and an M and some other numbers under the VP but nothing like a 53 all by itself and definately nothing close to an inch tall. Seems like there was a 6 digit number under the VP but it didn't have a 5 or a 3. Absolutely nothing visible toward the oil pan. I must have a prototype block... the one that failed all the testing... hehe.

 

[jwilliams3]

Gary no numbers huh.

If there is no pattern number its a Mexican block.

Even Better.



--Justin

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Looking at driver's side, front of engine, few inches above the bottom of the block, below the injector pump, here's what *I* see:



29LIA4DH



IBC 23







SOOooooo - what do I have?

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Gary - KJ6Q

Looking at driver's side, front of engine, few inches above the bottom of the block, below the injector pump, here's what *I* see:

29LIA4DH

IBC 23

SOOooooo - what do I have?

Gary you should go with Justins post he is the expert on these blocks.

 

[Ncostello]

Same with me Gary, just a bunch of numbers like your engine. But Justin, what is a Mexican block. My truck was made in Mexico but I didn't know the block was. Did Cummins set up a plant there to produce ISB's for Dodges? If so, did this plant only produce the "strong" blocks?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Yeah - if my block isn't the "typical" #56, and is instead, a "Mexican block", what is the difference - what would make a Mexican block more desireable that the 56? My truck was made in Mexico - but does that have any great effect on where the actual engines are made, mexico vs USA?





As far as the Mexican blocks are concerned,



Better base casting metals?

Better casting design?

Better machining?



Inquiring minds wanna know...

 

[Pit Bull]

My understanding is that the "56" blocks and the Mexican blocks are thicker so they won't have the cracking problem that some of the "53" blocks had. Not a big deal, just a running correction to eliminate a potential problem. This is what I gleam from all of the reading I've done on this subject. I don't think you will ever have someone give you the exact differences, but it would be nice to know

 

[Walker]

Si, Si! I'd like to comprende the differences too. I got a motor de Mejico .



Viva la Cummin's

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

My 2001 ETH engine was built Jan 21, 2000. Only small casting numbers between the VP44 and oil pan rail. Guess I have a Mexican block. . .



Truck was built a month later, rolled off the line at 9pm on Feb 22, 2000. Drove it home March 10, 2000



Vaughn

 

[GLASMITHS]

Mexican Cummins?

Purchase your replacement VP44 here



HTTP://www.China-LuTon.com

 

[Bandit1]

according to my vin # i have mexican built truck, but i see the #53 on the side of my block. i am not going to worry about it, it doesnt happen to many blocks, from what i hear it is only in extreme to heavy duty uses, let the bombing continue!!

 

[Texas Diesel]

Re: Mexican Cummins?

Originally posted by GLASMITHS

Purchase your replacement VP44 here



HTTP://www.China-LuTon.com

You are cold blooded!!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

With all due respect, Asia is a MAJOR user and supplier of diesel power - and is also a major portion of Cummins foreign engine manufacturing and reconditioning - check their website for their world-wide presence - and I don't doubt that there is a good likelihood that there are also some good Asian souces of related assembiles like injector pumps - Bosch quite possibly ALSO has Asian connections/manufacturing in those parts of the world as well... After all, ALL technological knowledge and ability isn't confined to the USA...



Would *I* buy an injector pump from an overseas supplier?



Not a chance!

 

[GLASMITHS]

Did you go to that web site?

If yes what did you think?



It is sad that even Cummins would let this potential go on. Or atleast not off an extended warranty for that particular problem.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Glas... Dunno who your post was directed at, but yes, I did go to that website, and have seen other similar ones in the past... There are likely quite a few pump rebuilders/copycats out there - many of which are NOT recognized by the parent company - just as a few HERE, in this group put out rebuilt or redesigned stuff, turbos and such, that WE think highly of, but would NEVER get the "blessing" of the original manufacturere - torque converters and various automatic transmission mods also come to mind...



SO, are outfits like BD, Piers and our friends the Kondolays North of the border not to be trusted? I think you sorta have to judge them on their merits, rather than predjudice and pre-conceived notions - and the main reason *I* wouldn't buy the overseas stuff as pointed to above is NOT because I don't think they are CAPABLE of producing a good product, but because of lack of stateside presence and a decent way to domestically mediate potential problems if they DO arise...



Naturally, I assume NONE of us would expect our local DC service department to select that stuff over the available Bosch and Cummins/DC suppliers, but for some of us well out of warranty, and perhaps some working knowledge of some of those offshore outfits, they MIGHT be a satisfactory - or even SUPERIOR - alternative at some point in time...



God knows, with the current known history of the VP44, *I* would sure like a lower-cost alternative for a spare...

 

[Texas Diesel]

No offense ontended by me. Yes I did go look at the site, looked nice.



Everything I buy from China seems to be made by Fook Yu Mfg, because I always end up throwing it out or getting a refund, seems you cant find good slave labor these days.