Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 1998 dodge ram

[SAndreasen]

I'm looking at a 98 Cummins with 219000 miles 5 speed what are some things I need to check before I buy it ?

Thanks Shaun

 

[SAndreasen]

Does anybody know if that guy on here is still making throttle position sensors for these trucks ?
Thanks shaun

 

[DAN V]

I am pretty sure it will have the 53 block. Make sure there are not any cracks. Some 53 blocks were good some were not. Also check for the KDP (Killer Dowel Pin) mod. Other than that there should be normal stuff. I am sure there are other things you need to check and other members will chime in for sure.

 

[SAndreasen]

Where is the 53 located at I can't remember?
Thanks shaun

 

[FourBarR]

I have a 98. 5 with a 53 block now has 605,000 kms (376,000K )no cracks. Number is located under the injection pump on driver side. Some have it on both sides.

 

[Sticks]

Engine should be fine,

5th gear nut on trans, front end components ~ steering, tie rod ends, ball joints, 4wd u joints...

Is this a 12 or 24 valve - mid year model change?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

If power has been added and it is a 12 valve (look at the break off screw holding the AFC to the pump governor housing), the head probably has cracks between intake and exhaust valves, and between intakes and the injector holes in the combustion chambers.



If a 24 valve, the lift pump may be bad, either producing low pressure or dead. The injection pump (VP44) is probably in trouble if so.

 

[SAndreasen]

it is a 24 valve truck if it is the 53 block with that many miles do you think its safe to buy?
thanks shaun

 

[JR]

If it has lasted 15 years without cracking you are most likely safe. If the truck is a good buy I wouldn't let a 53 block sway me from buying it. There's a lot more of them on the road than ones that aren't.

As for the APPS sensor you can get them through Genos if it needs one.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I'd contain the killer dowel pin. Head and block are probably fine--just look for coolant weeping through a lengthwise crack under the core plugs on the passenger side.

 

[SAndreasen]

I can't find a casting number on the block

 

[SAndreasen]

Bought the truck going to go see if I can find the number again

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

If you can't find anything other than maybe a few small numbers where the 53 is normally found then you have one of those highly desirable Mexican blocks. They do not crack but also have higher nickel content and harder longer-lasting cylinder walls.

 

[SAndreasen]

Thanks for the reply that makes me feel good knowing that

 

[SAndreasen]

How do I get the codes to come up on this truck ? My check engine light is on and just trying to figure out why?
Also thanks for the replies everyone

 

[SAndreasen]

How do I get the codes to come up on this truck ? My check engine light is on and just trying to figure out why?

Also thanks for the replies everyone

 

[SAndreasen]

How do I get the codes to come up on this truck ? My check engine light is on and just trying to figure out why?

Also thanks for the replies everyone

 

[SAndreasen]

How do I get the codes to come up on this truck ? My check engine light is on and just trying to figure out why?

Also thanks for the replies everyone

 

[FourBarR]

you need a code reader to get them on a 98. I am in Canada but i have read here that auro zone will read codes for you. Hope this helps.

 

[Sticks]

How do I get the codes to come up on this truck ? My check engine light is on and just trying to figure out why?
Also thanks for the replies everyone

Wait a minute. You bought a truck with an active check engine light, or it came on shortly after you bought it? Starting to sound like you got taken for a ride. I hope you paid well under book value for it.