Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Thinking of a 24v..Any advise?

[Boosted6]

I have owned only 1 cummins so far and I just sold it. It was a 09 12v. I am now looking at a 99 24v 5 spd and was wondering what to look for? It has 114k mile son it and is very clean inside and out.



I have looked through the 24v forum some and noticed alot of talk about fuel pumps and lift pumps. Is there anything I can look at or check to get an Idea of what problems there might be with this truck? I am planning on doing the key on/off deal to see what codes are in the puter but would like to know of anything else that is a common problem.



Are lift/fuel pump problems more revelant cold or hot start up? Anything else to look for?



Thanks in advance for any suggestions. .

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Boosted6,

Look at the block to see if it has the infamous "53" cast in it on the drivers side below the vacuum pump just above the oil pan rail. If so, think seriously about turning around and walking the other way.

About lift & injection pumps; if there is a fuel pressure gauge chech pressure at all rpm's including WOT. If it falls down into the 2-3 psi area plan on immediately replacing the fuel filter & if that doesn't correct the situation, then lift pump. Also, get the VIN & have a Dodge dealer look up service history on thier computer. Start saving money for an injection pump which will happen at some point. Also, consider the AirDog as a replacement for the lift pump.

On the transmission ask if the 5th gear nut has been repaired and if so how.

Happy hunting!

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[AndyMan]

I've got a 53 block'ed 99 model. 185k. I looked for the 53, but couldn't find it. I actually didn't find it until I was doing a vacuum pump replacement. So, look it over REAL good. On the other hand, 53 blocks are a to each his own thing. Some say they all crack, some say no worries.



You won't be able to do the key on key off thing, that only works on the newer models (maybe 00, but I think 01 and up). You'll need an OBD II scanner to pull any codes. I don't remember the dreaded VP44 (injection pump) death codes, but you may do a search for them.



Lift pumps are cheap, but $400 on a DPP HPFP or a Glacier Walboro setup WILL BE money well spent.



An injection pump will run you a little over a grand if you install yourself. Prolly tack on ~four hours labor to have a shop do it.



Vac pump seals (cheap $70 relatively easy fix), lift pumps ($400 to fix RIGHT), injection pumps (~$1100), 5th gear nut (<$200 to fix), Cracked 53 Blocks (mucho $$'s). those are the main things that go wrong with them.



Good luck, I LOVE mine.



BTW, there are two ways to check the lift pump. Although neither one of them are foolproof. One would be to use a gauge with a schrader valve to chedk it at the filter housing. You can only get idle pressure though. That doesn't really do a lot of good. the other is a volume test. You take the rubber hose loose from between the fuel filter and the injection pump. Slide on a longer piece of hose (1/4" ID I think), and drop it in a two liter bottle. Bump the starter. The LP should just about fill the two liter bottle up. If it doesn't, then it's weak.

 

[CarneyJ]

whats the deal with the 53 stamped on the block? just wondering i have a 2001 do you think there is a problem?

 

[FourBarR]

53 blocks on the right side just below the frost plugs. the block is thin there and was caused by a casting error. there is no recall. the 53 is hard to see left side below injection pump just above the oil pan. hope this helps

 

[AndyMan]

whats the deal with the 53 stamped on the block? just wondering i have a 2001 do you think there is a problem?

Clear your schedule one night and do a search on "53 block". Get a drink and a snack. You're gonna be reading for A WHILE.

 

[SEmerson]

The best advice is to get another 12v. I own both and would never buy a 24 again.

 

[BTowler]

The advice here is pretty dead on, lift/injector pumps, vacuum pump, add the dreaded puke bottle (annoying, not a problem, and an easy fix), and they eat front brakes as an appetizer. As far as the 53 block, that appears to be hit or miss, I have 190K with no cracks, and there are trucks out there with more miles running fine.

 

[JDecanter]

I put 180,000 plus miles on a 98 24 valve. Replaced the lift pump at 117,000 and later installed a fuel pressure gauge. Had absolutely no other problems with the enjine. Had the dealer replace the fifth gear nut at about 170,000. The man I sold to last August is still running it pulling a very big fiver with no problems.

 

[Boosted6]

Thanks guys. I pick it up tomorrow and it has a 56 on the motor. .

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Boosted6,

Congrats!!!

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[Cummins724]

Congrats... . just make sure to address the LP before adding mods. I would put a fuel pressure gauge on it right away. You should be set. Good Luck

 

[Boosted6]

I am having the FASS 150 sytem installed when I get it home... And thanks again everyone. .