2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission opinions please

[nwcatman]

my son is in the process of retiring his 1993 2500, and buying a 1999 3500, 5 speed, dually, 4x4, CTD w/51,000 miles. since i drive a 2003 2500 4x4 i can't tell him anything about it, what to look for, look out for, etc etc. any thoughts or infor. is appreciated. . THANKS

 

[macdaddy]

cat

Just look out for the "53" block known to live under the hood of most 99's, they are prone to cracking due to a casting flaw in the foundry when built at the Cummins factory.

Mac

 

[nwcatman]

gimme more details on this please. asap as he hasn't bought it yet. THANKS

 

[GFrance]

You might want to read this thread. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122892&highlight=cracked+53+block



Do a search on cracked 53 blocks there is a ton of info

 

[macdaddy]

gimme more details on this please. asap as he hasn't bought it yet. THANKS

Cat

The "53" block live under the hood of the 2ND gen trucks from 98. 5 until 01 (I believe). To identify wether or not you have a 53 under the hood you have to crawl under the truck. Now looking under the VP-44 (inj pump) find were the oil pan mating surface meets the engine block the "53" will be in numbers 1" in size and are cast right into the block.



If you find out that it is in fact a 53 (which I think it probably will be) the problem is that they will develope a crack in the block which will show up on the passenger side of the block just under the exhaust manifold in the area of the rear freeze plug. You can to a search on this site to get allot more info on this subject. Give it about a day or so and I will guarantee you there will be allot of people chiming in on this. But this will just get you going.



Keep in mind that this problem is limited to some not all "53's".



"do I feel lucky" "well do ya " :-laf



Mac

 

[nwcatman]

thanks. we are gonna have to look at this. how prevalant is this problem? he put 160,000 miles on the 93 and we never had any problem w/the killer dowel pin, but... ... ya never know.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Check lift pump pressure. New gives around 15-16 psi at idle; if half that, it is on the way out. You can attach a gauge liine to the top of the fuel filter housing--take out one of the 1/8 NPT plugs.