Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) cracked block

[Uncle Jack]

jkern,



Yes. LOL. Silver trucks get better mileage. Last check was 19. 3 MPG. . mostly interstate. Previous two times I checked, it was 17. 4 under mixed conditions. Light load, some interstate.



I can't find any number on my block where they say the #53 might be located. Heard of others that are blank as well. Are we just blind?

 

[jkern]

just on the drivers side of the engine on the front of the block just above the oil pan. there you will find either a bunch of little numbers or just two digits (53, 56, 55, etc) about 1 inch high... they are pretty easy to spy.

 

[Uncle Jack]

Thanks much. I will go have another look, as if it makes any difference. Just would like to know.

 

[rashwor]

White "53" with 162,000+ and no crack.

 

[mmclaughlin]

I don't know if I have the 53 block, but I'm not worried about it now, because I have a blue truck LOL! Maybe that's why my lift pump went on my? How many blue trucks out there have had their lift pumps go?

 

[thejeepdude]

1999... driftwood... 53 block... 122K... no cracks... if it cracks now it's the problem of the new owner! However I doubt he'll ever have a problem.

 

[Uncle Jack]

OK. I now have several pictures of the 53, so I know where to look. My block has NO number on it. It was manufactured in June of '98 just as another member who said he had no number.

I'd bet that even without the number, the specs are likely the same along with the potential for failure. . rare as it may be (I hope).

Would like to know if anyone is aware of a failure in a "no number" block. Also, to hear from others with no block number to see when/where their truck was manufactured. Were these all early 98. 5 models. Mine was assembled in St. Louis. Of course, no idea where the block itself came from.

Near 150k miles. All original as fas as I can tell and no troubles.

Though, I did add a FASS when the LP quit keeping up about a month ago.

 

[HMatson]

I'm sooo bummed, I own a red truck, don't know about the block # though.

 

[RPainter]

not sure if I am looking in the right place but found a 18 on the front drivers side, just above the front of the pan. The number protrudes out, not stamped in. Is this the right area to look at or is the number stamped into the block?

Randy

 

[HEYBOSS]

I'm wondering if I painted my truck silver, I could get 19+mpg

Also if I took a grinding wheel and grinded off the #53 and with a mig welder wrote 55 could I get 500k out of it?

 

[DBoggs]

I get 20+mpg with my silver truck. Silver is like chrome, makes it slicker. lol. I've also got the #53 block and 65,000 miles with no cracks yet. Duane

 

[gsdog1]

Black, 135,000 miles, and a 53 under my hood.

 

[Ram666]

mines intense blue. block cracked at 90000 miles replaced under warranty. mine had a 53 on the passenger side under the oil filter area as well as the usual drivers side.

 

[JTBMC]

I have a 99 White truck with 155,000 miles and no crack yet in the 53 block.

TJ

 

[Valkyrie99]

Mine showed up at about 70K. Took them 1 1/2 weeks to replace the engine. The truck is white!

 

[TEaton]

Can anyone post where the blocks are cracking?

Thanks,

Troy

 

[JTATKO]

ISB 215 Cracked block, 99 w250 QC

We have a 99 W250 QC with a cracked block. The crack runs below the frost plugs on the turbo side. It is in a curved section of the block, behind the oil cooler. Truck has 94000 miles, 28 days over on time. Dealer would not help. Is there any TSB's on this problem? We need ammo to prove our case. We have several 6BT engines with 10000 hours plus, never any block problems. Any info will be appreciated.

 

[DProehl]

Green 98 12valve 43k, no cracks, 53 block, Have talked to cummins dealer they have not heard of the "53" block crack problem, or are not fessing up to any problems

 

[HEYBOSS]

Originally posted by DProehl

Green 98 12valve 43k, no cracks, 53 block, Have talked to cummins dealer they have not heard of the "53" block crack problem, or are not fessing up to any problems

And if you came in with the "53" cracked block, it would be the first one they've ever seen