Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) "53" Block ID ASAP

[dclassens]

I NEED step by step process on how to see if an engine block is the dreaded 53 or not. I have done searches but only show where it is. Give me the basics. This is what i got from my searching but i need steps. For example:



1. Crawl under driver side

2. Point head towards front of engine.

3. Look on driver side of engine at just above oil pan.

4. look for casting numbers

 

[DMcPherson]

looks pretty clearly like a 53 cast on the side, you should be able to tell where it is. it is just above the pan rail on the front of the engine, the instructions you posted are good.

 

[IC Smoke]

you pretty much answered your own question, there isnt much more to crawling under the truck and looking at the block, you might have to rub the dirt of and use a flashlight to see exactly what # it is



Ian

 

[dclassens]

Is the number on the side(driver) of the block or on the front(near fan) of the block?

 

[FourBarR]

Its on the side of the block, just below the vp-44 injection pump. hope this helps. there are photos on here if you do a search on 53 block.

 

[Cummins724]

The picture that you posted is perfect... . you are looking at the drivers side of the engine. Basically having your head resting on the front tire of the truck.

 

[dclassens]

Thanks guys. the truck I am going to look at is an 01 CTD 4x4 with a HO and a six speed. It has a short bed :{ and 130K. The truck is about 150 miles away. i really want this truck and I am playing hard ball with the sales man. He will not budge in price because he says he is waiting "to see what parts it needs. " I told him not my problem. we will see what happens.

 

[Signal73]

can also be on passenger side...

 

[BDanner]

can also be on passenger side...

Just like the picture. Mine is in the passengers side, easy to see from below looking up.



Trying everything to make mine crack. Mods installed and pull heavy through Virginia hills with no ill effects "yet. "

 

[mediccummin]

Just wait it will happen. POS blocks. My 53 is also on both sides, bigger on the passenger side by an 1" or so. And my crack is exactly where the arrow points, And the body of the arrow is exactly where my coolant runs, And (same spot on driver side) is exactly where my coolant drips while sitting in driveway, And (53, behind, cooler) is exactly where the coolant blows from while driving all over the rest of my truck. And the picture of that piece of $H!^^ block, out of the truck sitting on the ground is exactly where that engine belongs. ALright enough already, later.

 

[dclassens]

HAHA... those are great pics and great anecdotes!!



Just an update... I have never delt with a car dealer ship that the price has constantly raised through the entire deal(i thought it usually went down). I told the dealer I wanted the truck was $14,000. out the door, everything. Now it is $14,800. out the door. I am going to Florida for a week. If it is still there when I get home, it was meant to be. If not. . oh well. Onward and upward.



Dave

 

[cArNiVaLwOrKeR]

Yup

Just wait it will happen. POS blocks. My 53 is also on both sides, bigger on the passenger side by an 1" or so. And my crack is exactly where the arrow points, And the body of the arrow is exactly where my coolant runs, And (same spot on driver side) is exactly where my coolant drips while sitting in driveway, And (53, behind, cooler) is exactly where the coolant blows from while driving all over the rest of my truck. And the picture of that piece of $H!^^ block, out of the truck sitting on the ground is exactly where that engine belongs. ALright enough already, later.

Yeah Dwayno, I just got mines done a week ago and Hear you are doing yours now as I type this reply, Give me a buzz sometime and we can chat, MEMBERS OF THE POS 53 BLOCK NIGHTMARE!!!

If the VP wasnt enuf to worry about???

 

[mediccummin]

HEy Joe going to start mine on the 18th got all the parts lined up. Gonna be a load of fun,,,,,,NOT. I'll give you a call soon. Sounds like you guys had fun in TULARE.

 

[cArNiVaLwOrKeR]

Fun???

HEy Joe going to start mine on the 18th got all the parts lined up. Gonna be a load of fun,,,,,,NOT. I'll give you a call soon. Sounds like you guys had fun in TULARE.

No way, Tulare was a joke, they didnt have anything organized, ask JoeGeen, I would not attend another event there, I will stay home and BBQ, and of course, youre invited anytime, ask howard how i Q', Off the HOOK... bring the kids and the lady in the summertime, i will have another Q, W/TriTip Porterhouse RiBBEYES and Polska Saussage. also BEER and Alcohol for HAnderson

 

[RandallScot]

inquiry about blocks

I am pretty sure I don't have one of these, but was hopping somone could shed some light. All I can find on the drivers side above pan is 1B. Then above that are some other alphabet/number combo, but hard to read. Thanks in advance. :-laf Oo.

 

[mediccummin]

A 53 block has only a 53, a series of numbers you are safe. I have yet to see a 53 with more numbers than 53. Check the passenger side also, below the filter. Later

 

[24V-DSL]

Friend just bought 99 engine from wrecking yard. 53 just as plain as day on the drivers side. He didn't know what the 53 issue was. It's going back.

 

[RandallScot]

Thanks, I feel better already.