Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) #53 Block Question

[barryg41]

I also got the #53 on my block.



I am not going to worry about it tho, unless it gets to the magnitude of something like the KDP problem. Even if the KDP problem is only showing up in 3 to 4% of the CTD's, it is still a terrible thing to happen to our CTD's.

 

[Pit Bull]

Re: i'm in....

Originally posted by Mopar-muscle

the number is hard to see , i had to look a couple times , you need a flashlight , the number size is about 1 inch .



my truck is a 2000 , dec99 build , and has 70k miles ... it leaks oil like a stuck pig , but no antifreeze ... yet ...



i did find a guy with 2 230HP motors for sale , maybe i'll buy one foa just incase

Mopar-muscle

What number did yours have?? Mine is not labeled and I have a build of Nov99. Have the dealer put some dye in you oil and see where it is leaking. It's covered under the 100K warranty. Get it fixed on there nickle before you warranty expires.

 

[Michael Hughes]

What is the KDP problem?



I tried to search for it, but you have to use four letter words.

 

[barryg41]

KDP? Killer Dowel Pin



It mostly has to do with the 12v CTD's.



Do a search spelling out... ... killer dowel pin

 

[Michael Hughes]

Now that you have "spelled" it out, I know what it is. Thanks for the info!

 

[dresslered]

Hmmm. Lucky me. I've got a model 2001 HO with a build date of 2-00 and the engine is a definite #53. I think the important date is when the engine was manufactured. I've got engine number 56684079 but haven't a clue when it was manufactured.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by dresslered

Hmmm. Lucky me. I've got a model 2001 HO with a build date of 2-00 and the engine is a definite #53. I think the important date is when the engine was manufactured. I've got engine number 56684079 but haven't a clue when it was manufactured.

dresslered

Mine is not marked (53,54,55) has a 3BC on it. manufactured 11/99 engine number 5665xxxx. Truck was built in St. Louis. I don't think this is a big concern based on previous posts. If it is maintained and not used in a School Bus I think you are OK The only guy I read about that had this happen towed way over GCWR and admitted that he abused his truck. I am sure there are others that abuse the truck and still don't have a problem.

 

[dresslered]

I agree Big Toy. As somebody already said, no matter what vehicle you get, there will always be some that have problems. Sure would have been nice to see a big "56" stamped on it though. Can't play school bus now. :{

 

[LUCKMAR]

cracked block

Originally posted by MikeR

C'mon guys. You are all getting worked up for nothing. I don't have to tell you anything you buy has it's failure rates, and there is no way of ever knowing IF you have a characteristic block known for failures. You can't own any brand vehicle without hearing of someone's horror story.



The info I posted was from a Cummins tech that works on everything... busses, trucks both small and big. One thing I noticed is all of our 24v Dodge's through 2001 have #53 blocks, and since early 99 I may have heard of maybe 3 cracked blocks among the net. You guys are worried about nothing.

Easy for you to say!! We have a 2001 with a cracked block and are dead in the water. Our livelyhood deeps on this truck to move our equipment from job to job. No truck - No income!!!

 

[LUCKMAR]

cracked block

Originally posted by MikeR

C'mon guys. You are all getting worked up for nothing. I don't have to tell you anything you buy has it's failure rates, and there is no way of ever knowing IF you have a characteristic block known for failures. You can't own any brand vehicle without hearing of someone's horror story.



The info I posted was from a Cummins tech that works on everything... busses, trucks both small and big. One thing I noticed is all of our 24v Dodge's through 2001 have #53 blocks, and since early 99 I may have heard of maybe 3 cracked blocks among the net. You guys are worried about nothing.

Easy for you to say!! We have a 2001 with a cracked block and are dead in the water. Our livelyhood deeps on this truck to move our equipment from job to job. No truck - No income!!!

 

[Rebel_Horseman]

I have a 11/99 build date on my Y2K with a #53 block. The rig has 146500 on it right now and I don't know squat about it before 140k. I do know that it had a small bomb on it before I bought it but it wasn't used to do a lot of extreme towing. Checked today and don't see any sign of leaks from the block except for a persistent oil residue near the oil pan. I'm not going to worry about it too much, but I'm not going to bomb it to the extreme either. I have a Diablo Power Puck for now and hopefully in the near future I can afford my SB clutch and a set of DDII's or BD 2's. I've thought about selling it but right now I'd be upside down on the payments and I have a fair amount of money invested in it. The only way i'd consider a trade is for a 12v. I'm also going to keep my eye open for a donor block, and maybe I'll get lucky and find a 12v ready to swap in.



Bottom line, if you're not comfortable and can afford it then trade. If not the don't sweat it, especially if you are under the 100k warranty.



Reb [><]

 

[harleebkr]

Originally posted by Pit Bull

I'm with you Texas Diesel, the only number I can find in that area is a 3BC. Mine does not have a 53,54,55,56 anywhere. Mine is a 2000 24Valve manufactured in 11/99. I'm not worried since mine is a daily driver, it should last as long as I want to drive it. But I don't understand why some have numbers and others don't? Oh well just one more thing I don't understand??

The number is just above the pan on the left front side of the block-saw mine for the first time yesterday. I have 195,000 miles on this baby, and have flushed the radiator every 45k miles (every 10 months for me) and no problems. No substitute for fresh fluid.



99 2500 SLT+ QC LWB 4X4