Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Information about the 53 engine

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Hi George, don't know if you found you a truck or not, I stumbled upon this nice clean well loaded short box 4x4 '98 24-valve, says it's not a 53 block, according to the ad. . . http://kpr.craigslist.org/cto/3903921562.html
Has Cali plates, but it's in Central WA. .

 

[barracudabad64]

Vaughn, Thanks for the information I seen the add but I'm holding out for a manual transmission. I'm also kind of in a holding pattern until the 2014 1/2 ton diesel hit the show room. I only pull a 22 ft travel trailer and then a 16 ft car trailer with one of my Barracudas on it so don't really need a 3/4 heavy duty truck. So if the 1/2 ton is priced right and I like the way it handle with the 8 speed automatic I may get one of them. The price difference between the 12 valve non 53 engine with a manual transmission and the new 1/2 ton diesel may not be that far apart. From everything that I read so far sounds like the 1/2 ton maybe just what fits my needs and close to my pocket book.

thanks again.

George

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

George I am keeping a 1/2T in mind as well, the current 1500 Ram is a sweet truck and definitely looking forward to checking out a diesel when they arrive!

 

[barracudabad64]

Vaughn, I'm sure there is several of us that will be checking the 1/2 ton out. We should see some real good discussion here once people get to test drive them. I've always liked the dodge truck and would have probably bought a 1 st generation had dodge had one then in a 1/2 ton but as it was I bought my Chevy diesel and have no complaints got just over 300,000 mile on her with nothing more than a injection pump and transfer pump along with a brake booster. But she has spent 15 yrs on the Oregon coast so cancer has gotten to her to the point where I need to replace her by this coming summer.
Lets hope that the Dodge 1/2 ton lives up to all the expectations from the early adds Chrysler is putting out.

George

 

[DClark]

I've worked on several of the Cummins engines in different Air Force equipment and was not even aware of the 53 block issue until I found this sight. The AF equipment is serviced regularly and not run hard around the flight line. We had just a few 24 valve equipped vehicles come in to are shop before I retired.

Now I have all this information and keep bouncing back and forth trying to decide which generation to buy. Knowing my luck it looks like no matter if it is 1st or 2nd generation truck I'll end up getting one that the engine will end up cracking. So from what I under stand the 2001 year the last of the 53 blocks ?

What can I look at for ball park repair cost of replacing or repairing a cracked 53 block ? Also is there less chances of having a problem between a manual or automatic transmission with the 53 block ? This truck with any luck at all will be my last purchase. I'm 68 yrs old and have got 335,000 on my Chevy 6. 2 that this Dodge will be replacing. I will not be adding any power parts to the truck as I'm only going to be pulling a 22ft or smaller camp trailer and a 16ft car trailer with it, and just getting a 4x4 one because of the snow we get so most of the use will be on the highway.

Guess I'll just bite the bullet and get a 1st or 2nd generation 4x4 manual trans with as few of miles I can find and hope for the best.



I thanks you all for your help and advice with my truck decision.



George

George, I replaced my 53 block as addressed above. Recycled block and head cost $1800 and paid the mechanic $3000 to do the work, which included a new clutch and new radiator. I don't care what anyone else says, a 53 block is a ticking time bomb. Why would you want to take the risk. Look for something without the 53 block. There is absolutly no way to tell if or when it will blow. JMHO

DClark

 

[barracudabad64]

DClark, Thanks for the reply, I have made my mind up not to get a truck with a 53 block, as you said why take the chance.

Have a Great summer.
George

 

[JR]

Another option that was used as a repair is the Lock N Stitch repair. I saw it on an old box truck and the repair held up for several years until the guy slid into a ditch in the winter time nose first and left it running until all the oil pumped out of the crank case breather.