53 Block ID Locations & Info






Photo Sources: Clatterbuck2000 Website:53 block id locations. (pics) - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum

 

hey guys im having a little bit of trouble. im buying a 98 24v cummins and im purchasing it through a dealer over the internet. Now i asked the dealer to look for the dreaded 53 but he said there is no 53 on there. Me, being a bit worried of a bs story...just wants to know if there are 98 24v 53 blocks out there. all i hear about are 99s n up

 

Yes, 98.5 can have a 53 block.

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I have a 53 block in my 24V. 255k miles and still going strong. Have a few mods (Edge comp and a few other things) dont really think the 53 block cracking is a big issure for me since i live and florida and it doesnt get cold. from what i understand the block cracks from sitting in the cold so long and then people not dont let it warm up before towing.

 

I have a 99 with a 53 block that had the Lock N Stitch repair done at 100,000 when I bought it. No mods, warmed up every time, never towed heavy, and at 110,000 miles was leaking again. Got with a friend of mine who owns a welding shop, welded the block, 40,000 miles later leak was back. Welded again with cast iron plate over it, and ran it for 7 more years. It has finally started leaking bad again, at 240,000. I ran stop leak 2 times a year. If you ever take the freeze plugs out of the 53 on the passenger side you can tell how thin the block is on that side. My advice to anyone who wants a cummins is to stay very far away from the 53 unless you want a never ending headache. For those who have a 53 with no cracks, all I can say is you have better luck than me.

 

I have the "53" block in my 2000 with 230k miles. No leaks, no cracks. I'm praying to the "53" block gods not to strike! I purchased my cummins with cash I had saved just so I could get my cummins, I'm the blue collar working class and I couldn't afford to pull my engine for repairs like this!

 

I bought my '01 Ram 2500 with the HO 245hp engine back in September. 294k on it and, thank God, nothing leaks. (Knock on wood!) I am the second owner and I acquired it from the first owner at about 289k. It had a vigorous work life before my acquisition. It regularly towed 27,500lbs and had the oversized wheel cylinders in the drums to prove it! The oil was regularly changed/refreshed every 3k, although the the same can't be said for the Dana 80 rear diff. or the NV5600 6-speed... She runs like a top. I just installed +125hp (7x.0095) injectors and I always make sure she warms up to operating temp. before I drive her. I can't say that I don't romp on the throttle every now and then, but for the most part, I baby it. Do y'all know of any other preventative maintenance I can do for my delightful 53?

 

Did these blocks ever make it in to Canadian trucks? I feel like mine would crack very easy on the -45 c days if it had one.... I'll be checking if I have one soon

 

The easiest answer is that they can pop up anywhere and in any truck. Some years are less common, but they are still out there. As far as location, I'm not sure. I always let my truck warm up to operating temp. Better safe than sorry. If it does crack, that's an expensive bouquet of Oopsy-Daisies. Haha.

 

I have an 02 and I never could see the block number, I have a 12v also on a stand in my barn and it just says "a b c" In that location... what does that mean? I know they had 53 12v's but they didn't seem to have the problems...