Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) First Off Line 98.5 24V

[BLea]

Attended the TDR Rally several years ago in Columbus and when the Cummings Team reflashed ECM, they commented it was one of the first 24Vs off the line. I have been very concerned about the 53 block problem. Mine has traveled 80,000 miles, most of them pulling a fifth wheel that weighs about 12,800. I can't recall ever seeing where a 98. 5 has developed a 53 block problem. Does anyone out there know of a 98. 5 that has had a 53 block problem? Problem areas: lift pump at 58,000; oil pressure sending unit at 42,000; drive shaft to real seal at 75,000.



98. 5; 2500; 4x2; 24V; Quad; 5-speed; US Gear exhaust brake; fuel pressure gauge; Pull Right 18,500 hitch; strictly stock.

 

[Cummins724]

Attended the TDR Rally several years ago in Columbus and when the Cummings Team reflashed ECM, they commented it was one of the first 24Vs off the line. I have been very concerned about the 53 block problem. Mine has traveled 80,000 miles, most of them pulling a fifth wheel that weighs about 12,800. I can't recall ever seeing where a 98. 5 has developed a 53 block problem. Does anyone out there know of a 98. 5 that has had a 53 block problem? Problem areas: lift pump at 58,000; oil pressure sending unit at 42,000; drive shaft to real seal at 75,000.



98. 5; 2500; 4x2; 24V; Quad; 5-speed; US Gear exhaust brake; fuel pressure gauge; Pull Right 18,500 hitch; strictly stock.

98. 5-00 were most common for 53 blocks & yes they all can crack..... this doesn't mean it will crack. I put it in the back of my mind & dealt with it when it happened. Watch your coolant levels & if they drop & you have to add coolant..... it is probably cracked. I started losing coolant @ 60k & it only got worse as time went on, but was undetected by the dealer. The coolant was burning on the block before it could be detected until it cracked to the point of coolant pouring out at 140k. Do a search on 53 block & everything that you wanna know is there. Cummins covered my block & parts because I had this problem with lost coolant before 100k. I would get it recorded by the dealer for lost coolant if you lose any at all before 100k..... it can save you money down the road.