Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 53 block. losing water?

[TSterken]

Losing water. on my 99ram. Can't see any leak out side the engine and no water in the oil. the coolant had some silicone precipitation in it. I flush out the cooling system and i don't see any babels when it running. when i drive it it keeps using water. did a vacuum test on cooling system and it wouldn't hold a vacuum. (went to 20 then fell off). Thinking head gasket but with a 53 block... . Any ideals before i start pulling the head/ rebuild with new block

 

[HBarlow]

Details about your truck?

 

[TSterken]

1999 2500 SLT QC Long Box 4x4 auto. only mod is bluecip vp 44 fuel pump the one for better fuel economy

 

[HBarlow]

How many miles? Original owner? Head ever off for any reason?

Some but not all 53 blocks crack but I think they leak from a water jacket externally. If you're not seeing external coolant leak from lower driver side of the block it could be a head gasket seepage from water jacket into a cylinder which allows coolant to be consumed.

 

[TSterken]

2nd owner 246k (around)

 

[HBarlow]

Probably a seeping head gasket. I had to replace one on an '01 24 valve at somewhere in the lower 200k miles range.

 

[TSterken]

Any problems with 24v heads? That i should now about... Is there a good headgasket other then factory. Any good online place to get parts...

 

[HBarlow]

No problem with heads that I am aware of and no need for anything but a Cummins head gasket.

 

[ALoehr]

when/if a 53 block cracks, it happens just under the exhaust manifold running back to front, and they leak externally.

 

[turbo torque]

Mine had a small crack on the side tank of radiator. Not enough to drip or make steam untill it got worse, then I noticed steam when it was cold outside.

 

[mwilson]

Losing water. on my 99ram. Can't see any leak out side the engine and no water in the oil. the coolant had some silicone precipitation in it. I flush out the cooling system and i don't see any babels when it running. when i drive it it keeps using water. did a vacuum test on cooling system and it wouldn't hold a vacuum. (went to 20 then fell off). Thinking head gasket but with a 53 block... . Any ideals before i start pulling the head/ rebuild with new block

Are you judging the water loss using the overflow bottle??

Or by the actual level in the radiator neck itself???



Also, you did a VACUUM test or did you do a pressure test???



Mike.

 

[TSterken]

Did a vac test. i use the rad lvl and also thw overflow... when the overflow is dry then the rad lvl starts to drop.