Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Strange '53' Block

[DavidNH]

Hello all,



I just joined this forum a few months ago and need advice on the infamous 53 block. I am given to understand from what I have read that the number '53' appears on either the right or left front of the block cast in 1" high numbers to id the blocks which are prone to cracking.



I am on the cusp of purchasing a 1995 12v dodge strictly for the engine and must take the whole truck as part of the deal. I looked at it today and crawled under the engine, but did not see the dreaded '53' in 1" high cast numbers staring back at me. What I did see was baffling and equally dissapointing. cast into, and slightly above where a '53' would be in numbers about 1/4" high appeared these numbers: 05301. Since I need to move on this deal or risk losing it, I need expert advice fast. Is this indeed a '53' block simply because the digits 5 and 3 appear in sequence, or is this not the case and no cause for alarm at all?



I know some '53' block owners don't worry about having one as it does not give any problems, but since I am new to the Cummins, I want to have every advantage going in and would like to avoid any future problems at the outset. I do not plan to 'bomb' this engine, just to run it stock is fine with me. As a 6. 2 refugee, my tolerance for diesels that always 'need' something has just about evaporated. if this is in fact a '53' block, I'd just assume move on and find another. Also, while looking at the truck today, I forgot to note the production date or check the right side of the block.



Timely expertise greatly appreciated,



Dave

 

[supeerman4422]

http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm#NewInformation heres a link i found on another thread. . hopefully this will help you out



-Tom

 

[DavidNH]

Thanks for that. I already reviewed that fellow's page before posting and did not find the answer I was hoping to find.



Dave

 

[biggy238]

I'm fairly certain that the blocks that are prone to damage of the sort were only produced from mid to late 97 and on, with only just a few 98 12v engines being built, the rest being 24v engines.



Also, it is common to only see modified engines cracking due to stress, not engines operating within their normal parameters.

 

[TPCDrafting]

Here's what mine looks like, I hope this helps.

#ad

 

[Signal73]

Here's what mine looks like, I hope this helps.

#ad

From everything Ive read your in the clear. Its the ones like pictured above that you need to look out for. In 95 I dont think they were making 53's anyway. They were introduced around the 98 MY. Id say go for it...

 

[Forrest Nearing]

95 = NOTHING to worry about...

 

[Forrest Nearing]

except for the weak nut pump of course

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

DavidNH the only thing to be concerned about is whether the dowel pin in the timing case has been taken care of. If not you'll need to do that soon if you get the truck. Do a search under KDP "Killer Dowel Pin. "



Welcome to TDR by the way. We have a member DavidVT on here and now we have his counterpart in the other little state next door, DavidNH :-laf

 

[Stamey]

I concur with the others. I have never heard of a pre-98 model year "53" block. Yes, some 12v engines in 98 had a 53, but I have never heard of a 97, or earlier, with a 53. I could be wrong, but I network here, and on several other Dodge/Cummins sites, and have not heard of it yet.

It is my understanding that a series of smaller numbers is a Mexican block, so I'm betting that's what you have.



Chris

 

[obert]

Hmmm. The 53 block can be a problem, but it seems over blown. Percentage wise, I think even if it was a 53 it would be worth the risk. I understand only about half the 53's were defectively mf'd and only some of those have broke (yet).

 

[Rhondasway]

I had researched this as well, and can tell you that I've run 2 different 53 blocks. I have never had a cracking problem (she said, knocking on wood), even though I have cracked heads, warped the blocks enough to need decking, and melted a piston due to heat. I know it does happen, but I think it's more the exception than the rule.

Get one of those little detector lights and shine it all over the engine. At least you'll know if it's already cracked...

 

[Evan A. Beck]

I have never heard of a pre-98 model year "53" block. Yes, some 12v engines in 98 had a 53, but I have never heard of a 97, or earlier, with a 53. Chris

Very rare, but some late 97 12V engines do have a 53 block, seen a few before. Even some of the very very very early 24V engines built in late 97 do have 53 blocks. However, the 12V 53 block doesn't crack near as much due to different engine harmonics, RPM ranges, and power curve. Max HP 12V available was 230 HP in an on-highway application, whereas its 300 HP for the 24V.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

Very rare, but some late 97 12V engines do have a 53 block, seen a few before. Even some of the very very very early 24V engines built in late 97 do have 53 blocks. However, the 12V 53 block doesn't crack near as much due to different engine harmonics, RPM ranges, and power curve. Max HP 12V available was 230 HP in an on-highway application, whereas its 300 HP for the 24V.

but oddly enough, 12v trucks making 600-700-800hp w/ 53 blocks don't seem to crack...



I've really never heard of a 12v 53 cracking

 

[DavidNH]

Thank you for the welcome, It's nice to be here and to know that today I sealed the deal on my first Dodge and CTD. I'm all over the KDP issue and that will be my first order of business. Thanks to all who took the time to respond to this post.



Dave in NH

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Congratulations Dave! When you get some pics of it be sure and upload some & start a Readers' Rigs album