Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2001 cracked block

[johnboy Dixon]

Does anyone have a '01 with cracked block problems? Have an early 2001, 3500 HO with 55k miles. Two weeks ago developed a severe water/antifreeze leak. Is a cracked block-a 4" crack on the passenger side right beneath freeze plugs about #4 & 5 cylinder. Problem is a casting flaw. Cummins is aware of the problem. Have heard of some 99 & 00's with problem, but have not heard of any other '01s with this problem. Has anyone else had one or heard of this problem in 01's?

 

[DEZLPWR]

Hmmmm interesting..... Sounds like maybe the 53's aren't the only ones with cracking problems! :-laf

 

[Evan A. Beck]

FYI, some '01 trucks do have the 53 block...

 

[AKDrifter]

How do I know if I have a 53 block?

 

[Oil Burner]

johnboy

Do you have a 53 block?

-Jason

 

[Jeff Knight]

AKDrifter, Look under the VP pump for a casting number in the block. Jeff

 

[DEZLPWR]

Originally posted by Evan A. Beck

FYI, some '01 trucks do have the 53 block...

Interesting... .

That is the first that I have heard of '01's having the 53..... I feel better now! Oo. :-laf



Next thing we know, we will find out that ALL trucks are succeptible to the KDP..... :-laf :-laf

 

[Pit Bull]

Don't worry about the KDP unless you have a 98/99 24 valve and here is some information on the block issue.



1. Brazilian Blocks are cast by a company named "TUPY" and are marked such.

They are identified with cast evolution numbers.

#53's are TUPY's. #54 and later evolutions were improved to correct the block issues that the 53's had.

2. Mexican Blocks were made by "Teksid" these blocks to my knowledge never had a problem with cracking, as they are heavier duty by trait, but they did follow the evolutions and got thicker.

These blocks do not have the 2 digit "cast number" embossed on the side, instead a series of numbers that are unidentifiable to me.

The mexicans blocks were rumored to even be harder to machine do to a harder cast overall, basically better quality in my opinion.



Brazilian Tupys always seem to outnumber Mexican blocks during the ISB's production probably about 8 to 1.



So basically if there is a pattern number its brazilian, if there is a series of small numbers its mexican.



By the way the Mexican equivalent of a 56 pattern was the Heaviest ISB block of all. This means if you have a 2002 without a #56 on it and instead it has a series of numbers that are smaller and hard to identify, you got the the big boy!!!



Hope this helps shed more light on this issue.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Woohoo, mine must be the Mexican block then, nothing but a bunch of little, hard-to-see numbers Oo.



Vaughn

 

[jcbrown]

#53 Block...

I have a "53" block. Truck production date was March 2000.

 

[Bill_L]

Is the only way to tell which block it is by the numbers? or is there any other info? Does anyone have a photo pointing out what to look for and where?



My truck was built 02/2002 or something like that.



Bill

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Bill_L

Is the only way to tell which block it is by the numbers? or is there any other info? Does anyone have a photo pointing out what to look for and where?



My truck was built 02/2002 or something like that.



Bill

The number is on the block right below the VP44 and above the oil pan a couple of inches. You don't need to look, you have a good one either way. All 2002's are #56 blocks or if you are real lucky its a Mexican block. Does not really matter since both are never going to cause you any problem.

 

[Bill_L]

Pit Bull,



Thanks for the info.



I will have to take a look to see if I have the Mexican block or not since that is where most of the assembly of my truck was done.



If he mark is below the VP and above the oil pan best bet on my truck is to look from underneath. .



Thanks again.



Bill

 

[AKDrifter]

I got a 53 block

Just because I got a 53, does this mean I should do periodic look-sees for cracks. I know the obvious ones would be los of oil presure, coolant smell, increased temps.



Any early signs or symptoms I should be looking for?



I'm assuming this would be covered by Cummins.

 

[RICHIE 2]

Anyone know anything about the 55 blocks??





kris

 

[Briman]

I found a series of numbers about two inches up from the oil pan on the drivers side of the engine. They are very close to the front of the block and behind a wire loom. Am I looking in the right place? I don't see any 53.

 

[AKDrifter]

Briman, that's right where I looked and saw an unmistakeable 53, then I muttered sh$t!

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Briman

I found a series of numbers about two inches up from the oil pan on the drivers side of the engine. They are very close to the front of the block and behind a wire loom. Am I looking in the right place? I don't see any 53.

You have a Mexican Block made by "Teksid" these blocks never had a problem with cracking, as they are heavier duty. These blocks do not have the 2 digit "cast number" embossed on the side, instead a series of numbers that are unidentifiable. The Mexicans blocks were rumored to even be harder to machine do to a harder cast overall, basically better quality. My 2000 was a Mexican block. You need to hold on to this engine. It's a keeper!!! Congrat's

 

[Floor It]

I looked at my block, its a "mexican" block

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

My Mexican-block motor is an HO, it was built Jan 21, 2000. Truck rolled off the assembly line Feb 22, 2000 at the Saltillo, Mexico plant.



Vaughn