Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 53 casting

[Cowboy]

I just bought my 5th turbodiesel (99 2500 sb auto SLT laramie red) didnt do my homework, as I thought all cummins engines were bullet proof,unlike chevys (rods and cranks,etc) anyway,I would like to duplicate my former truck, a 02 3500 6 speed H O dually 545 hp 975lb torque but this one has a 53 code block, did i make a bad choice ?

 

[HBarlow]

Maybe, maybe not. We only hear of the ones that crack. I think many of them do not. I have a friend that has an '01 with a #53 block. His engine is somewhat modified and has over 100k miles on it and has pulled a heavy fifth wheel many of those miles. His hasn't cracked.

 

[Bob4x4]

I just bought my 5th turbodiesel (99 2500 sb auto SLT laramie red) didnt do my homework, as I thought all cummins engines were bullet proof,unlike chevys (rods and cranks,etc) anyway,I would like to duplicate my former truck, a 02 3500 6 speed H O dually 545 hp 975lb torque but this one has a 53 code block, did i make a bad choice ?

It would not have been my choice. not everyone will see it happen but if you are one that gets hit with a crack it is no fun

 

[FourBarR]

520,000kms or 300,000k + with 53 block no problems so far. Engine not modified to increase power.

 

[JKreiss]

When i crawled under mine and saw the big 53 staring at me it was like a slap in the face. I panicked from all the paranoia surrounding this topic, but so far, 110k miles and no crack. Granted that many miles is nothing for these things, that's why we buy them. I figure it could just as easily have a tree fall on it and what block it had in it wouldn't really matter then:-laf I'm meticulous with all my maintenance on everything i own, however this is just one of those "if it happens, it happens" kind of things. Like Harvey said, we only here of the ones that crack. I just went and got some stuff off an 01' parts truck. It wasn't a 53 block but it had cracked on the drivers side above the motor mount so who knows. Just enjoy it and drive it

 

[Cowboy]

thanks for all your views and info, you 2nd gen guys are a wealth of infoabout these trucks, probably more than is available from chrysler, I still dont have a warm, fuzzy feel about this motor, but i'll just keep throwin' go fast styff at it till it dont go no more. see ya at may madness!

 

[SHobbs]

I have 244k miles on my "53" block, so far so good.

 

[drag racer]

Enjoy the truck and try not to worry about it, If it cracks, deal with it then, just like we all will have to...

 

[KLauber]

is there any other option other than finding a donor block (ideally a 56 block). or do you have to go to the local cummins dealer and c what they can do bout it?

will

 

[Diesel Dick]

My 98. 5 53 block has 260,332 on it no problems. It is stock, no modifications. I have not had to do a thing to the engine. If you live with the penguin's let it warm up before take off.

 

[SHuber]

Cowboy, you didn't mention how many miles are on it, I'm gonna guess most of the statistics are if it's over 100k you are probable on the safer side. I had a 99 with a 53 in it and I sold it at 295,000, it had a pro comp on it most of it's life and believe me it wasn't just driven to church, no cracks. If your living right it will be your faithful friend LOL. Good luck with it.

 

[Cowboy]

go with what you got

thanks Shuber, it has 86000 miles ,a 3 piece ex manifold, superchip downloader, ( came with it, set to "race" level),stockfuel system,front to back,that will soon change to FASS,and a new turbo,seems to have some coking in the bearings. just installed brake performance drilled and slotted rotors, and ceramic pads, they work !!!

 

[RHestand]

Cowboy, for a bunch of great info. on #53 block repair, go to locknstitch.com, or call 1-800-736-8261. They seem to be good people to talk to.

They sell a crack repair kit( I've heard pros and cons on it. ), and also a kit to to reinforce the block, that could possibly keep your block from cracking, if it's not cracked yet.

Also from what I've heard, you can pull the center freeze plug and measure the wall thickness. If it's . 250" or more, it's less likely to crack.

Good Luck, Ray

 

[swordfish]

where do i look for the 53?

I looked around my engine but couldn't find any "53". I'm not sure I'm looking in the right places. If its not a "53" is there another casting # on the block?