Attention: TDR Forum Junkies #53 block information
I just received a reply from an email sent to Cummins inquiring about the #53 block problem, so don't just check your block #, check your engine serial number. Let me know what you find. I am starting a log to track all the problems for possible legal action. I would like to get a group together and go after reimbursement of repair costs for all of us with the #53 block problem. We have a #53 block with a serial number before the production change in a 2001 Ram 3500 Dually which we took delivery on 4/00.
In 1997 Cummins had some cylinder block cracking issues with castings that were made using "pattern 53" at our foundry. The cracks occurred in a few very tough, high duty cycle, high
HP, applications, such as logging skidders, and other off-highway
construction equipment where there are very high load factors placed on the engine from duty cycle and actual twisting of the engine. In a few of these applications the block could crack in a horizontal line directly below the large cup plugs on the exhaust side, at the rear of the engine. The crack would allow coolant to leak from the block, so it was easy to detect, and there was no further engine damage. The good news, for you and the truck
you are considering purchasing, is that the cylinder block was strengthened in Dec 1998 and there have not been any similar failures since then. In addition to the strengthened block the Dodge application is a very light duty cycle (low HP) application that does not stress the block like happens with off-highway equipment.
The strengthened cylinder blocks went into full production with
engine serial number 56878917. So any engine with an ESN higher than that number has been built with a strengthened cylinder block that was molded using pattern number 54 or 56. With a Dodge Cummins truck you also get the benefit of an engine that has been designed for, and used in many, very
severe off-highway applications so it is "tested by fire" and our Dodge customers get the benefit of an overdesigned diesel engine. You can't make a mistake with a Dodge Cummins powered truck.
Thanks for the question,
Zack Ellison
Customer Technical Support Leader
I just received a reply from an email sent to Cummins inquiring about the #53 block problem, so don't just check your block #, check your engine serial number. Let me know what you find. I am starting a log to track all the problems for possible legal action. I would like to get a group together and go after reimbursement of repair costs for all of us with the #53 block problem. We have a #53 block with a serial number before the production change in a 2001 Ram 3500 Dually which we took delivery on 4/00.
In 1997 Cummins had some cylinder block cracking issues with castings that were made using "pattern 53" at our foundry. The cracks occurred in a few very tough, high duty cycle, high
HP, applications, such as logging skidders, and other off-highway
construction equipment where there are very high load factors placed on the engine from duty cycle and actual twisting of the engine. In a few of these applications the block could crack in a horizontal line directly below the large cup plugs on the exhaust side, at the rear of the engine. The crack would allow coolant to leak from the block, so it was easy to detect, and there was no further engine damage. The good news, for you and the truck
you are considering purchasing, is that the cylinder block was strengthened in Dec 1998 and there have not been any similar failures since then. In addition to the strengthened block the Dodge application is a very light duty cycle (low HP) application that does not stress the block like happens with off-highway equipment.
The strengthened cylinder blocks went into full production with
engine serial number 56878917. So any engine with an ESN higher than that number has been built with a strengthened cylinder block that was molded using pattern number 54 or 56. With a Dodge Cummins truck you also get the benefit of an engine that has been designed for, and used in many, very
severe off-highway applications so it is "tested by fire" and our Dodge customers get the benefit of an overdesigned diesel engine. You can't make a mistake with a Dodge Cummins powered truck.
Thanks for the question,
Zack Ellison
Customer Technical Support Leader
