Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) engine block 55 or 53

[WatsonJ]

which is the "Bad" one ? I have a 2000. I cannot find anything on either side of the block. Is there a way to determine what you have with the VIN number?

 

[The patriot]

I believe it's a 53.

Look at the front drivers side of the engine. Low on the side of the block, just above the oil pan.

 

[WatsonJ]

53 block

I know where to look but cannot see anything there.

 

[Texas Diesel]

The numbers are below the injection pump and just above the oil pan.



If you dont have a number there in 1" letters you have a Mexican block, they are rumored to be the best as they use the oldest (strongest) castings.



53 is the bad one. I have a freind who bought a truck and failed to check the casting number, it is a #53 and he is learing how to use the stitch lock kit. But it still leaks... He had approx 120k when it cracked.

 

[RandallScot]

Hey Watson, got a 2000 myself, Mexican truck, no 53 block. You would be able to see it.

 

[WatsonJ]

53 block Mexico

thanks all I'm fairly sure my truck was built in Mexico. hope that means it also got the Mexican block

 

[Texas Diesel]

If your VIN begins with a 3 you have a Mexican built truck. A 1 means American built. But that has nothing to do with where the block was cast.

 

[WatsonJ]

53 or 55 engine block & coolant loss

OK I crawled under with a mirror and a flashlight. There are two sets of characters on the left front of the block (below the VP44 and behind the power steering pump one set says 2BC the other is a series of 6 or characters and there is no "5" anywhere.



I have unexplained coolant loss so it's important to rule the 53 out if possible.



No water/coolant in the oil.

 

[Texas Diesel]

Sounds like you have a Mexican block to me (good thing).



All these engines seem to lose coolant, I have to add twice a year, and always have.



Leak:



Look below the exhaust manifold, if you dont have a green block and a crack parallel to the exhaust manifold the length of the block, you dont have the dreaded crack.

 

[mediccummin]

The 53 can also be found on the passenger side just below the oil filter/cooler, It's either one or the other or both. A couple common place to lose coolant slowly is the hose from rad to overflow bottle at rad cap, or the rad drain plug, such a slow leak you hardly notice it. Good luck hope you did'nt did screwed also. D/C sucks. Oh one other thing if your truck came with a box of condoms in the glove box you got a 53.

 

[Grizly]

Mine leaks a little coolant from side tank on radiator very little though few drops and only does it til thermostat opens then no more leak not bad enough to fix yet... been doing that for over a year now

 

[GCULP]

check the freeze plugs on the intake side near the rear below the injection lines for seepage.