Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 24 Valve Questions

[seagrave2001]

Hey Guys, well it looks like i'm going to be getting a 1999 Ram 2500 In the next couple weeks. I already checked about the whole 53 Block and looked at the truck last night and where the 53 usually is there was a series of numbers there it was around 6-8 digits there was a B in there 5 in ther but no 53 together and the numbers were only about 1/4 high, so I figure everything will hopefully be alright...



My next question is I am getting a FP Gauge installed in their for now to keep an eye on those pesky lift pumps. . What is the correct fuel pressure that I should be seeing when I get the truck?



Also the guy said their is synthentic oil in it now and he said when I do an Oil Change I have to put synthetic oil back in it. . Is this true and what milage should I be changing my oil as well as my fuel filter?



And the last thing is being that its cold out do I have to put additive in the tank when I fill up every time?



Thanks Again Guys... .

 

[BlakeDavis]

fuel pressure should be around 15 at idle and shouldnt get below 6-7 lbs at WOT. I change my oil at 7000 miles and change the fuel filter every other oil change. Dont know about the synthetic, i have never used any.

 

[seagrave2001]

thanks for the information... . does any one have any info on the synthetic oil... and what are the advantages & disadvantages of using it...

 

[boydo]

I use Redline 15/40 full synthetic I change my oil filter(purolator premium plus) every 5000 km, and drain the oil every 15000 km. 176000 km on truck with all toys listed below still doesn't burn a drop of oil. I would say if the previous owner used synyhetic it would probably be a good idea to keep doing it.

 

[GKinney]

oil

I've used Mobil Delvac 1 in my engine for about 4yrs. now. It is great in the winter being 5W40 and thick enough for the summer. Sux on the price though... . but it is worth it. I change the oil every 10k mi,,,,filter at 5K. Sounds like we have the same block too. Mine has a big 'B' where the dreaded '53' is supposed to be. Good luck on the new ride!!

 

[TSRAM]

Just to put a bug in your ear, I had checked my block too about a year ago and was relieved not to find the "53". It was hidden behind the large wire loom that ran along the lower edge and parallel to the block. Mine reared its ugly head a couple of months ago. I only found the #'s after moving the loom while I was severly ****** off.

O. K. ~ ticked off. Sorry. Had to vent 'yall.

 

[GKinney]

Tsram

Well after reading your last post... . I had to look one more time. I jacked up the truck to see better... ... searched all over the side of the lower front block... . nothing. All I have is a series of numbers slightly higher than the '53' in all the pix on here. Also there is the large 'B' about an inch high on Both sides of the block in the general area where the '53' is supposed to be. I looked behind all the wire looms..... nothing. Also my block where the crack develops... is very smooth... . no roughness or porosity like the pix. I am going to breathe easy for now. I hope Cummins eats a big chunk of money on this... . BIG corporations think they are saving so much money by exporting all the work over seas... . all they get is a bunch of S***ty quality products!! Sorry to hear about your '53'.



P. S. people in this country needs to wake up and put a stop to this... or sooner than later we will be all living in cardboard boxes in some alley.

 

[seagrave2001]

Just to put a bug in your ear, I had checked my block too about a year ago and was relieved not to find the "53". It was hidden behind the large wire loom that ran along the lower edge and parallel to the block. Mine reared its ugly head a couple of months ago. I only found the #'s after moving the loom while I was severly ****** off.

O. K. ~ ticked off. Sorry. Had to vent 'yall.

TSRAM, when i went & looked at my truck that big wire loom was in the way and i reached up & felt some numbers, but couldn't get the wireloom to move. . So I asked the guy for a socket to take that big bolt out to see past the wireloom... And when I took that out thats when i saw about 6-8 numbers up there and was glad...



This pic is from stameys site... I just added the red text...

 

[GKinney]

engcogod

that is exactly the same as mine. There is a whole row of the recessed squares down the lower portion of the block with no numbers in them. Also slightly above and forward of the empty square is where mine has the 'B'. Looks like we might have gotten lucky. Happy New Year to one and all. !!