Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Another "53" block question

[CTaylor]

I know where cummins usually stamped the casting code on the sides of the block just above the oil pan as I have found the "55" on my 2000 dually but i just bought a 99 2500 and I was sure it would have the dreaded 53 block in it but I cant find a casting code on it? It is a mexican build dodge Saltillo MX I think so does that give it a good chance at not having a 53 block?

 

[Ncostello]

Ya... its casted into the block on the drivers side, above the oil pan flange, toward the front of the block. You usually have to move some hoses and/or wire looms to see it.



My understanding is that if you cannot find a casting number... its a good block.

 

[Seane1987]

even if it is a 53 block, it probably would have cracked by now if it was gonna. My 53 block has 217,xxx miles on it.

 

[Ncostello]

Probably, but maybe not. If a person knowingly buys a 53 block... they should be mentally prepared to find a replacement block and R&R (component swap) everything. That's all, really.

 

[DodgeWarlock]

Probably. But we just rolled 200,000 on our 53 block. I guit worrying about it at 175,000.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

All 53 blocks are from Brazil, the Mexi blocks don't crack. . . they are also known for harder cylinder walls which are harder to rebore.



Not all 53 blocks were defective, more than one foundry cast the 53 blocks but the bad ones came from one foundry which missed the reinforcing rib that was to go in the coolant gallery in that area.

 

[FourBarR]

Mine has 545,000. kms (330,000k +) no cracks.

 

[gerry]

Probably, but maybe not. If a person knowingly buys a 53 block... they should be mentally prepared to find a replacement block and R&R (component swap) everything. That's all, really.

anybody have any idea what it would cost to swap all the internals assuming not much machining needed to be done? I'm figuring on already having the good block and swaping the OEM head. I see a number of places on the internet selling complete crate motor 24v engines for $4700. I already have a Mexican block standing by and so far with 100k my 53 is OK but just wondered.

 

[SHobbs]

I found this while searching the net about the " 53 " blocks. I have close to 270k on mine, if it goes it goes.

1. Brazilian Blocks are cast by a company named "TUPY" and are marked such. They are identified with cast evolution numbers. #53's are TUPY's. #54 and later evolutions were improved to correct the block issues that the 53's had.
2. Mexican Blocks were made by "Teksid" these blocks to my knowledge never had a problem with cracking, as they are heavier duty by trait, but they did follow the evolutions and got thicker. These blocks do not have the 2 digit "cast number" embossed on the side, instead a series of numbers that are unidentifiable to me. The Mexican blocks were rumored to even be harder to machine do to a harder cast overall, basically better quality in my opinion.

Brazilian Tupys always seem to outnumber Mexican blocks during the ISB's production probably about 8 to 1. So basically if there is a pattern number its Brazilian, if there is a series of small numbers its Mexican.

By the way the Mexican equivalent of a 56 pattern was the Heaviest ISB block of all. This means if you have a 2002 without a #56 on it and instead it has a series of numbers that are smaller and hard to identify, you got the the big boy!!!

 

[HBarlow]

Good research. I've read dozens of posts about 53 blocks over the years and never read all that useful info on the subject.

If I had a Gen II 24 valve I'd save it and use it for engine shopping.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Another thing is it seems 2wd trucks came with Mexican blocks more readily than 4x4 rigs.

 

[mnengr]

Well I have the dreaded crack at 200k miles. Does anyone have a recommendation from whom to buy an engine from? With the crack, is there any core value? Any cautions about buying one from a wreck? I'm in Tennessee - not far from the Cummins plant in Cookville TN

 

[jhoughton]

I purchased a block and swapped all the parts myself 68K miles. I replaced all bearings, seals and rings. The block at the time was around $1800 from Cummins. I found mine on e bay from someone who planned to do what I did and dumped the vehicle first. Paid around $900 shipped. With the rest of the parts I had $2100 total in the job and did all the labor myself. I'm in TN also PM me if you have any questions.

 

[Tractorat]

On the "new vehicle" paperwork, my 02 says its point of origin is mexico city. So, Im assuming that it was built in mexico. However, try as I might, I just cant find any numbers stamped on the block. If it is a TUPY or a Teksid, will that be stamped somewhere ? If so, any idea where ?

 

[CTaylor]

On the "new vehicle" paperwork, my 02 says its point of origin is mexico city. So, Im assuming that it was built in mexico. However, try as I might, I just cant find any numbers stamped on the block. If it is a TUPY or a Teksid, will that be stamped somewhere ? If so, any idea where ?

That is a good oint about it being built in Mexico, my 99 is also and I cant find the "53" on it anywhere. I also wonder if I may have gotten a 12 valve block since I heard they used up what they had of those before going to the other blocks.

 

[CCeruto]

53 block

my "53" block truck '99 2wd DRW has over 205k, no issues... yet (just one vp44 at 196k).

 

[Seane1987]

It doesn't matter where the truck was made, as all ISB's for Dodge are built in the US, so it doesn't matter where the block came from, they all went to Indiana at some point.

 

[Casey Ray]

By the way the Mexican equivalent of a 56 pattern was the Heaviest ISB block of all. This means if you have a 2002 without a #56 on it and instead it has a series of numbers that are smaller and hard to identify, you got the the big boy!!!

Well this is what I have, the big boy, however I did get to my 3rd fuel pump before I hit 20k miles. Installed a Fass and haven't looked back in over 125k miles. 2002 4x4, on my second inj pump now. Overall, this has been my best truck ever.

 

[TSterken]

My 99 with a 53 block has craked. I want to replace the block. What block should i look for and what ones should i stay away from?

 

[SMcGrady]

All 53 blocks are from Brazil, the Mexi blocks don't crack. . . they are also known for harder cylinder walls which are harder to rebore.



Not all 53 blocks were defective, more than one foundry cast the 53 blocks but the bad ones came from one foundry which missed the reinforcing rib that was to go in the coolant gallery in that area.

My 99 2500 2WD has a 53 block. so far, so good... Is there any way to determine if mine came from the bad foundry or another foundry that produced good blocks, other than just waiting to see if it cracks?

Thanks...