Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 24v reliability

[SRehberg]

I'm a 12V truck owner but looking to buy a '99 with the 24V. From what I'm reading about the 53 block, lift pumps, and especially the VP44 injection pump, maybe this isn't such a good idea. My only reason for getting another truck is to haul a cabover camper that my truck doesn't have the weight capacity for. I'd appreciate any insight on these problems.

 

[Jetpilot]

The 24v engines are really good motors. The VP is the high dollar weak link although most of these trucks run forever without a pump failure. The lift pump is probably the most annoying problem but that can be fixed by numerous vendors products. The variable timing and increased power band is one of the nice things for these trucks over the p-pumped trucks... ...



I say check the truck out, stay away from the 53 blocks, expect to replace the lift pump and enjoy!



Doug

 

[SRehberg]

I appreciate the reply and at the risk of sounding ignorant, is there any specific year that the dreaded 53 block shows up? I am a newby to the 24V engines. Thanks

 

[JL penner]

From what I've heard they show up from 98 to 01. Most commonly in the 98's and 99's. Do some research on them, the actual failure rate compared to how many are out there is actually kinda low. BUT the failure rate is still there. If it's one in a thousand, it's still possible.



IMO the main weak link on these trucks is the lift pump, but with a fuel pressure gauge and a fuel pump mounted near the tank, the weak link goes away!



Good luck,

JL



BTW, try and measure the fuel pressure in between the lift pump and the injection pump, this will let you know whether or not the injection pump is on it's way out.

 

[bmoeller]

One plus with the 24v engines, is basically plug-n-play power adjustability, until you need to change hard parts.

 

[SRehberg]

Well, if the '98-'99's are the most prone to block failure, then the '99 I'm looking at is probably a good idea to walk away from. I can't afford a catastrophic failure. Is it the bombed ones or are the stock ones affected as well? Are the years mentioned, all 53 blocks or are there others? You guys are great in helping answer these concerns.

 

[Jetpilot]

Check out the block casting number..... Its located on the drivers side below and slightly behind the VP. Not all the blocks for these years are 53's.



Doug

 

[CumminsFarmer]

Stay away from '53's. Either replace the LP, or add a pusher to run in tandem. And then enjoy! Also, if you worried about longevity of the engine itself, remember the 24 valves arent that old, and we cant really accurately measure longevity.

 

[SRehberg]

After doing a search through the forum, I think I'll pass on the '99 I was looking at. Is it a pretty sure thing the '99's have the infamous 53's?

 

[DieselRam30]

I'd say that as long as lift pump issues are addressed, the 24v engine is every bit as reliable as other generations of the engine. As far as 53 blocks, it was my understanding that they were mostly 94-98 12 valvers that had 53 blocks with a few newer model years sprinkled in. Somebody please correct me if this is wrong.

 

[hammersley]

My 01 and RIP's also is a

53 Block!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No problems so far and RIP is pushing over 600 HP

 

[Supermod56]

Get a 01. 5 or 02, they have rear disc brakes, definitely worth having. And get the 6-speed, I have to convert mine, parts are in the garage. My 01. 5 has a 55 block, but the 53's are in some all the way up through 01, so you better check to make sure. Other than the lift pump, it's a great motor that really runs!!! I would sell my house and live in my truck if I had to!!!



Tom

 

[RJPotts]

I'm going to sell my truck so that I can get a 12valver and save some money. I'm about to buy a house and get married. Mine is definitely not a 53 block and it is in pretty good condition. (Exactly as my sig states. 92,000mi. )

-R. J.

 

[SnoKing]

RJPotts, does that include the unknown problem created by the APPS reset????? SNOKING

 

[RJPotts]

HAHA. Sure does. :-laf

That problem is gone. I unhooked the batteries for about 20 min. and hooked them back up. Back to normal.

-R. J.