Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cracked Block?

[hoverlover]

Just hoping to get some info on the infamous block #53. Sorry for my ignorance but, I have a small amount of coolant coming from the hosing around the oil filter mount. I've searched the posts and it seems like most cracks are on the other side (drivers side). I only have 30,000 on the truck and just started bombing about 3 months ago. I have not been able to determine if it is seeping through a crack in the block or if the gasket is just bad. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Jetson]

The cracks are farther down the block. Behind the oil filter is an oil cooler that could corrode and leak. It will sometimes leak water into the oil or vice versa. On automatics there is a line there going to a water-to-oil cooler behind the turbo. A head gasket leak could also show up there. It doesn't sound like a cracked block, but it needs to be checked, especially check your oil and trans fluid. Make sure it doesn't look milky.

 

[hoverlover]

Thats great news! I was very worried about the leak after reading all about block 53! I just changed my oil and it looked OK, but i'll checked the transmission fluid and see how it looks. Thanks for the quick response! If it was a helicopter I'd be better equipped to handle this type of problem LOL.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

A fair number of Cummins B5. 9's seem to develop gasket leaks in that area - my '91 did it too, but tightening the head bolts slightly stopped it - you could try some cooling system sealer - but you need to make sure you don't have other related problems, like water in the oil...