Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Buying a 24V - Need crash cource on what to look for...

[Mishkaya]

I looked at both locations ans all I found was the letter "A" on the passenger side and on the driver side under the injection pump by the large wire loom was another "A" followed by 30 and the number 2 under the A. All of this was tucked under the wire loom. Is there any other spots to look? I also did not see anything like the crack pictures. But since my truck sepnt 11 years in Wisconsin there is a lot of surface rust on everything underneath but now signs of any track marks.

If you didn't see #53 in the usual spots, you don't have one! Oo.
Have you checked your water pump and radiator for coolant leaks?

 

[KBrennan]

If you didn't see #53 in the usual spots, you don't have one! Oo.

Have you checked your water pump and radiator for coolant leaks?

Is there a way to find out what block series I do have? I feel a bit relieved that I may not have the dreaded 53. As for the coolant I have not seen any signs but the loss of coolant is slow. I loose about a half galon over 3K to 4K miles. I may need to get the engine cleaned up under neath to get rid of the oil that has collected over the years and start from there. It is possible that the oil is covering up a leak.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Is there a way to find out what block series I do have? I feel a bit relieved that I may not have the dreaded 53. As for the coolant I have not seen any signs but the loss of coolant is slow. I loose about a half galon over 3K to 4K miles. I may need to get the engine cleaned up under neath to get rid of the oil that has collected over the years and start from there. It is possible that the oil is covering up a leak.

On the driver's side of the motor, typically under the IP is a series of #'s. But, if memory serves, the # can be in several places. Also, if memory serves, the coolant leak is typically on the passenger side below the freeze plugs. There is tons of info on the subject on the TDR and I wouldn't take my word for it. I huess I sometimes reply to these just because it makes me feel good! :-laf

 

[dresslered]

Confused yet? There's some good stuff compiled here:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/buyers-guide-2009/201431-turbo-diesel-buyer-s-guide-updated-2009-a.html

 

[RSchwarzli]

From my end, thanks for all of the responses! That answers my questions and then some! I see the great love of the 24v is still there!



I will try to stay away from the 24v if I can.



As for the 53 blocks, carry on.

 

[SRath]

The problem isn't just with the 5. 9BT. All of Cummins' engines have "devolved" instead of "evolved" as I'm sure they would like us to think.

The Cummins ISB engine in the semi I now am stuck with cannot hold a candle to the stout and reliable, fuel-miserly, N-14 which is fast becoming just a memory. That's too bad...

The best engines, and trucks, are simple and straightforward. Fix the doggone KDP. Fix the 53 block. But for pete's sake, Cummins, DON'T fix what isn't broke!!

Too late. They blew it.

We don't need no stinkin' computers.

 

[AlaskanCummins]

I did a conversion and where I live there are limited places I can obtain a decent engine for a decent price. I finally settled on a 99 Ram which obviously is a 24V ISB.



Yes, come to find out, I have the 53 block. At first, I fretted over the possibility of getting a crack. Engine had just under 100K on the clock when it as wrecked and the transplant performed. What I finally decided is that if it does crack, I'll just learn how to lock-n-stitch it and keep go'n foward in life.



The electronic engine was quite the challenging prospect and I have to tell you, turned out to be alot of fun. Yea, it'd have been cool to have an all mechanical engine in an all mechanical truck. However, when I pop the hood and people see what it is, they're quite impressed.



What I'm trying to tell you is that don't be afraid of the 24V engine. If you find a gem and she just rocks your world, get her.

 

[ALepley]

Don't buy a 1998. 5 through 2002. They have too many problems: VP44, fuel pumps, sensors, dashes cracking. The list goes on and on. I have one and will never buy a Dodge again. My 1992 had been a great truck, but when they went to the 24V they have lots of problems. I have thought about driving my 2000 into the river I'm so fed up with putting money into it.

What kind of royalty is that? You pay to play. My 98. 5 is a great truck. You cant expect to have the perfect vehicle. 02 and on have there issues too.

 

[KBrennan]

Don't buy a 1998. 5 through 2002. They have too many problems: VP44, fuel pumps, sensors, dashes cracking. The list goes on and on. I have one and will never buy a Dodge again. My 1992 had been a great truck, but when they went to the 24V they have lots of problems. I have thought about driving my 2000 into the river I'm so fed up with putting money into it.

My 99 has 150,000 miles on it. I replaced the lift pump with a Air Dog PF 100 at 125,000 miles, replace the PS pump just the other day and the vacuum pump is also looking at taking a dive. The 5 speed manual was just replaced to solve the 5th gear proble (Got it from Standard Transmision and Gear out of Fort Worth) but other than the normal wear and tear of a truck that is used to pull at 100% of it's tow raiting over mountains I have gotten every penny's worth of service out of her and she is still kicking. The crankcase breather may be breathing a bit to much and that may mean a ring job soon (Not Sure yet) but still I would not have and will not trade her for a Ford or Chevy. I may buy a new Dodge or slightly used Dodge 3500 DRW but only so I can go to a biger fifth wheel. Basicaly the only money I put into this truck was for oil changes, tires, brakes, one valve adjustment, a Banks Stinger kit, AirRide overloads in the back and replaced the rear axle seals. Had I taken better care of her I may not have had some of the problems I have now but that is on me, not cummins and not Dodge.

 

[Tractorat]

I had to replace the LP and VP on my 02 at about 55k (still only about 79k on the truck truck right now). But, other than that (and that really isnt very much), this is a really great truck. If I had been on top of the LP, I doubt if I would have had problems with the VP. If was going to buy a used 2nd gen, I would stay away from one that had mods on it. I think those are they trucks that have probably been driven hard and abused. But, I think that any car or truck that has been driven hard and pushed to the limits will have a shorter life.

 

[jpickens]

I have put all 185k miles on this truck and have spared it ZERO mercy... unbelieveable the abuse it has taken. I would buy it again and again and again...



Repairs (all performed myself - my labor etc. )

Rear axle seals

Front drivers ball joints

Front pass. unit bearing

Front axle seals

Rear ujoint

Two track bars

One pair of new batteries 2008

One lift pump

LOTS of tires...