Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 53 block and 99 questions

[KKunz]

Where at on the block do I look to see if it is the 53 block? If the block cracks and I do not have any warranty left will the block be replaced or am I going to have to pay for a new block? Just wanted to know I did some work for a guy and he has a 99 with 40,000 miles on it he wanted to know if I would like to trade the truck for the work. Any thing else I need to look for on the 99?

 

[SHobbs]

My understanding the cast number is on the drivers side behind the injection pump. You can see it you just have to look for it. As far as when it cracks, well I have seen some being replaced for half the cost. Cummins has been paying the other half, but you are still looking at around 2k or more. I think that's junk this is a problem that Cummins admitted to and I have been wanting a class action suit for a while now. I have 130k on the clock and have had no problems with the 53 yet (knock on wood).

 

[Mad Bomber]

53 Block

I also have the dreaded 53 block :{ you might crawl underneth on passanger side look under the ex manifold and see what the side of the pistons look like. If the metal is smooth and not pitted you stand a better chance no problems. BTW It's usally by 4,5,6. I got this info from Piers.

 

[tractorface]

Two things

Mad Bomber,

Can you explain that a little better. What are you calling Pistons?



I have a 99 with a 53, How many 99's DON"T have a 53. That would be interesting. I used to think I did not have a 53 until I found good instructions on finding the Dreaded 53.



Anyway It is not the end of the world, look at it as a chance to really bomb the truck Oo.

 

[DavidC]

It is a raised casting 53 on the drivers side above the oil pan near the front of the engine. It will start seeping antifreeze in the beginning so if you smell hot antifreeze at anytime start looking. Mine cracked right behind the heat exchanger on the passenger side. I now have a 56 block and am still jumping thru hoops getting the financial section resolved. The finance screw up was not Cummins corporate but the local Cummins dealer. Cummins policy is to pay 50% of parts and labor but there are other contacts at Cummins available. My truck was 2 months past the 5 year warranty with 53k on the odometer.



Dave

 

[Mad Bomber]

# 53

Mad Bomber,

What are you calling Pistons?



I mean where the pistons are located in the block look out side out the block at the same level. If on the outside area it's smooth and no inperfections in the metal it's a better sign.

 

[tractorface]

makes sense

Thanks, I'll crawl under the truck tonight. Wish someone inside Cummins would explain why we have a problem. It would be helpful to know if maybe the problem was limited to a certain production run or something.



Question for those who have been through this.

What did it end up costing? I always have this possible expense in the back of my mind and would like to put a number on it.

Thanks

 

[radcam]

Not trying to jack the thread, but does anybody know what year the 53 blocks went into production?

 

[Mad Bomber]

53 Block

Not trying to jack the thread, but does anybody know what year the 53 blocks went into production?

I know that they are at least in the 99 to 01 not sure of any others.

 

[DavidC]

According to Cummins 2 foundry's were casting the 53 block. One did it right the other did not. If this is the case not all 53's will crack. Cummins states that there should be a radius inside the block in a certain area. The foundry that did not read the prints right did not have a radius but had the block squared off causing stress on the block.



Dave

 

[tractorface]

Good information

Seems to me they should be able to better pinpoint the problem blocks say serial numbers or something. Always seems to be something with every vehicle I own.

 

[DavidC]

There is absolutely no way this is right. I have been jumping thru hoops for a month and a half now and the local Cummins screws it up. My personal opinion is for a recall and Chrysler and Cummins share the cost of repair with no charge to the customer. To buy a truck for 32k or more and dump another 4k into it for a block is insane. In fairness to Cummins Chrysler recieves these engines from Cummins with no warranty. It is essentially a Chrysler engine. Chrysler will not even acknowledge your problem as you are a liability now. At least Cummins will do something.



Dave

 

[Mad Bomber]

53 Block

Dodge is a 100k or 5 years and on a penny more.

 

[Black-Smoker]

I have a 99 cab and chassis and I have looked high and low for the 53 and never found it. I guess i got lucky and got a good block but I have no Idea which one I have.

 

[macdaddy]

David C is right on the money as far as where to find the location of the "raised casting number 53" on the engines block. Shame on me for not doing my own research prior to installing up grades on my 99. After reading all these horror stories about dealing with DC and Cummins as to who will pay for what I decided to send the 99 to pasture and trade it in (it was a good excuse anyway for an 05). My family and I have to rely to much on our truck for play we just could not afford to gamble on a break down in this thing we need our truck every other weekend for hauling our toy box 12K and spend 4 weeks every summer traveling between So Ca and Wa st every summer. I just didn't could'nt imagine my truck being pieced together, even if it was a autorized Cummins facility.



05 3500 4X4 Larmie DRW 325/610 six spd 4:10's white brought her home 10/30/04

Out to pasture 99 3500 4X4 SLT Laramie DRW ATS trans w/TC,VB,Comander,edge Auto Meter AFE and yep the ol 53 BLOCK.

 

[Mad Bomber]

53 Block

the failer rate is really small but it's out there

 

[TSRAM]

I've found out the hard way that Cummins is no longer doing the 50% of the bill for the repair. Ken Scobel at Cummins said earlier today when I talked to him all they now offer is $1000 towards the repair, no block, no gaskets, nada else. Said it's been that way now for either 3 weeks or 3 months I can't remember ( I'd gotten to the point where the B. S. was running together by then and missed it) My local (1 1/2 hr drive) Cummins dealer sent a quote today for $4,000 labor and $4,500 parts to R/R with another block, rods, and etc. I gotta call tomorrow and get another quote for labor and gaskets only as I may have come across a short block.

 

[24Vpirate]

my buddy just had his replaced at the 50% price 1 month ago his half was 3875$

 

[FourBarR]

my 98. 5 has a 53 block. has 335000km or about 200,000k. no cracks so far i keep a close eye on the right rear of the block. i plan to have an ultra sonic inspection done the next time the the tech is in the hangar to do inspection on aircraft. would lik to know how thick it is in the area where it cracks.

 

[Un-Hemi]

I have the dreaded '53' in mine and I'm not going to lose ANY sleep over it. If it cracks, it cracks! Just more justification for a 12-valve or a HPCR engine.