Discover the Secret Behind the Cummins 53 Block!

Cummins 53 block ????? So had someone ask about the 53 blocks so here is a video talking about them. This is what I know about them.
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[@qdogbenson3112]

53 club here. Had a 99 that cracked by 40k miles. Now have a 53 in a 12 valve that has been great for the past 18 years Ive owed it. Go figure.

[@Lucas24v16]

I will have to look at that on mine

[@daveschiavone7863]

I have a 1998 12 valve truck that was manufactured in November 1997 it has the 53 Block. 234,000 miles and still running strong. I send my oil off to the lab every other oil change and the numbers have always been good.

[@CUTTERUPROB]

Ya not all the 53 blocks are bad.

[@samnigro2780]

'98 12 valve 5spd w/53 block. 275K. Good so far boys 🤞🏼

[@tankabbot22]

Mine came out of a 97. 5/97 was actual production date. I almost threw up when I was cleaning the block in my garage and saw the dreaded-#53!! never thought to check because everyone told me it was only 24 valves that had the core shift blocks I had it magnafluxed and miked the thickness with the core plugs out! 3/16 was the thinnest part I found. No leaks so far!! 😃

[@The_Monarch1]

So what if my 2000 doesn’t have a 53 stamped on the block? How can I tell what I have then?? Building a f-250 and bought this one fairly cheap.

[@LinezWet]

Most all 53 blocks that were bad cracked in the first 5-10Years. These 98-02 53 blocks were the most popular block used from 98-02 from dodge trucks. These trucks are already over 24 years old. Most all 53 blocks on the road today don't have the defect. Mine is mint condition 99 3500 dually 53 block with 285k. miles. Tons of people on the Cummins and fb forum have over 500k miles on their 53 block and still running today

[@CUTTERUPROB]

You right a lot of them don’t. But I still get 3-4 a year that come in with cracked blocks. So a recommend not to use them. Or I can’t warranty anything to do with the block.

[@peterr7950]

I picked up a 1998.5 24v to swap into my truck until i get my12v rebuilt and it's a 53 also. It has 300k on it and 100hp injectors and a selection of other parts and no problems with. I threw a poppet valve in there that dumps the coolant pressure from revving into the water neck thinking that may be the problem with these thin castings. I had done some reading and some guys had tested and found the factory water pump was making 100-130psi at and above 3k rpm in the back of the block and I'm suspecting that may have something major to do with the blocks splitting. Maybe I'm of on that but I can't see it hurting

[@CUTTERUPROB]

ya it can't hurt thats for sure

[@mattk252]

I've read that the density of the metal used was all so not up to spec and was poured too cool as well

[@CUTTERUPROB]

could be , i have never noticed a difference in the way the bore or hone in the few i have done

[@elroyelblander6277]

@@CUTTERUPROB I just seen a video from 7 years ago ,with a cracked 55 block..just like the 53's do...from the comments I read, brazilian block's 53,54,55,56 can all crack...I'll see if I can put a link on here..

[@jamesregan6308]

Found your channel a couple months ago. Like all your content! I bought a 99 over the summer was bummed to find out it was a 53 casting

[@CUTTERUPROB]

as long as your not having a issue , i would run it but just make sure your ready to do a engine if need be

[@mattk252]

@@CUTTERUPROB Yea there hit n miss but be ready

[@user-sw5bf7kf1d]

El número de motor en que lado esta??

[@CUTTERUPROB]

Driver side

[@mattk252]

The 53 blocks look more porous to my eye (not on the machined surfaces) just the ruff cast sides and especially the cast letters

[@CUTTERUPROB]

some do ya

[@aaronschinlaub9704]

I have a 1998 Dodge ram 12 valve 3500 dually and it's got a 53 block in it with 169,000 miles so far it is not cracked but yeah some 12 valves did end up with a 53

[@CUTTERUPROB]

Ya. Few of those did. Just not many

[@tylerbrady8321]

Ill take all of them

[@Mikheno]

I'm one of the lucky ones. My '02 HO is a 56 block.

[@CUTTERUPROB]

right on

[@TheKcdub1000]

I'm pretty sure they stopped useing the 53 block in 99. I have never herd of a 02 with a 53.

[@valve-do3jc]

I have a 98 12 valve 53 block 450,000 mi. No crack. If you have over 100k it won’t crack. That being said I’m building a another block. Don’t throw them away sled pullers like them. You can cut every other fin off water pump lower coolant pressure still keep volume.

[@CUTTERUPROB]

i don't see many of them. but i don't throw much away anymore lol

[@TheKcdub1000]

I've read plenty of cases where they crack between 100,000 & 300,000. Tow a heavy load up hill with the engine cold. On a cold morning. Then if it dosnt crack. It probably won't. Thats how most of the higher milage ones cracked.

[@kevinb6253]

I have a 98 12v 5 speed 53 block with 290k on it, it was made in MEXICO IS THAT ONE THIN WALLED ALSO?

[@CUTTERUPROB]

I have only seen one 53 block from a 12v cracked. But can happen

[@71lemans]

I’ve got a 99 that has a 53 block nearing 300,000 miles . 100horse injectors. Exhaust and programmer . No issues yet . My question is if I get another block I plan to use my internals . What block do I need ?

[@CUTTERUPROB]

Any storm block with work. 98-02 block

[@elroyelblander6277]

I've personally seen just one crack in my area, more than 10 years ago, was a '99 with 180,000 with a TST I think , carrying a load of wood up a steep hill...was gonna buyit and fix it .. maybe I should have🤔...but anyway... enough about it

[@CUTTERUPROB]

ya i have seen a bunch lol and have bought i couple

[@elroyelblander6277]

@@CUTTERUPROB 😆..10 4... 👍

[@VMac822]

The problem 53 blocks was not due to core shift. When Cummins looked into it they discovered that one foundry in Brazil made a mistake when casting the 53 Bock.The blueprints called for strengthening ribs within the water jacket, but one foundry failed to cast them with the ribs. . A couple other tidbits… STORM blocks (24 valve) actually began to show up at the very end of the 97 model year. Secondly If you cannot find any number on your block consider yourself lucky! You have the best block of all, Mexican cast with higher nickel content meaning harder, more durable cylinder walls.

[@mannymx51]

I am looking to buy a truck that has a 53 block. 1999 5.9 24v, only 122k miles. Tag on door says it was made in Mexico. Trying to find out if al blocks with the 53 came from Brazil... Thanks for the support

[@tankabbot22]

Good info, thanks man.

[@tracycarney5499]

I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel with a 55 block. Do I have anything to worry about with a 55 block. Thanks

[@CUTTERUPROB]

Nope should be just fine

[@elroyelblander6277]

Seen a guy with a 7100 24valve make 1300hp or so down at firepunk... could years ago or so.. didn't beak...like ya say, maybe ya do maybe ya don't have an issue

[@CUTTERUPROB]

ya some do some don't

[@augustine3ga]

If your just scraping them id gladly take a few off your hands

[@ryanstafford4950]

I didnt see any number cast in that area you pointed out. Am i just missing it or is there another place they cast numbers on these blocks

[@CUTTERUPROB]

the one in the video is not a 53 block i just used it to show where is would be

[@ryanstafford4950]

@@CUTTERUPROB is there another place they have a block number on these blocks. My 98 12 valve dont have number there just trying to find out what block it has.

[@jakebarnes5526]

I think most of the bad ones would have shown there face by now surly after all the heat cycles I wouldn’t want to push a 53 block and in your case definitely wouldn’t give a warranty on one

[@CUTTERUPROB]

yep

[@BaltazarSauceda]

How can I fix a small crack?

[@CUTTERUPROB]

They can be welded

[@luisvillacres5996]

I was given a 2001 Cummins 24 valve I can’t find anywhere on that block the block stamping looking for 53 I looked on the driver side and passenger side I couldn’t find anything any help would be greatly appreciated thank you

[@CUTTERUPROB]

it will be a big 53 on the side , if it not there like the one in the video your safe

[@andreszavala4529]

I have a 99 cummins truck and it does not show a number in the block on the area is the mean my motor block its fine????

[@CUTTERUPROB]

Yes it does

[@elroyelblander6277]

Have got 2 53's myself,and there's 2 more within 2 miles of me. .one of my mine I pour the fuel to and beat the f€&k out of it...the other is stock and gets started and not warmed up properly and driven by my old man..the other 2 get used and abused in stock form ,one that doesn't get warmed up and gets beat o ,... but... needled to say, they're all still goin...have to say ,I have been slightly amazed, as the years pass by ,that not at least one hasn't broke...but anyway

[@CUTTERUPROB]

got lucky lol

[@elroyelblander6277]

@@CUTTERUPROB I guess so......mine has 300,000... Probably ain't gonna if it hasn't by now...idk... anyway,I'm gonna keep running it

[@lofi3000]

We’re the 53 block made during a certain time between 98-02?

[@CUTTERUPROB]

97-2000 was the most common years I have seen.

[@lofi3000]

@@CUTTERUPROB Hey thanks for the quick response. I want to bid on one but all i got is the VIN.

[@jp2073]

If a 53 block does crack, how much for a new block? Thanks

[@CUTTERUPROB]

Depends on where you live. But it’s cheap to buy a engine to replace it most times

[@stevenray1641]

I have a ‘97 Ram with 53 block. I can’t say 100% it’s the factory engine, but nothing on the truck looks like it was changed. That being said, if you have a ‘97 like myself, you may want to check as well. Also, as always, GREAT videos! Keep it up!!

[@CUTTERUPROB]

Ya some of the 12v have them.

[@chadgreen3688]

I just bought a 1999 with 86,000 it has the 53 block should I get rid of it?

[@CUTTERUPROB]

if the truck is in good shape it wouldn't bug me, but just kept in mind you might have to do a engine

[@chadgreen3688]

@@CUTTERUPROB truck is in great shape completely stock too

[@CUTTERUPROB]

@@chadgreen3688 I would keep it if it was me, just save the money for a cool guy engine lol,

[@TheKcdub1000]

I have 340,000 on my 53 block. truck has bein beat on. 100hp injectors. Comp box. Sxe363 turbo. No cracks. Just don't tow a heavy load up hill with a cold engine on a cold day.

[@andrewbrown2963]

56 block is made in the usa?

[@CUTTERUPROB]

I believe so i could be wrong

[@tylercorum7717]

I’ve heard there’s a Mexican 53 and a Brazilian 53 is one any better than the other

[@CUTTERUPROB]

not all of them were bad, so its hard to know, seems alot more 53 's came from brazil

[@TheKcdub1000]

The Mexican cast block is not a 53. The 53 is Brazilian. There is no 53 on a Mexican cast block.

[@mannymx51]

@@TheKcdub1000 I am actually looking to buy a box truck with the 5.9 24v, has 122k miles. seems like it hasnt cracked, Tag on door says Made In Mexico. Reseraching on wether the 53 block only came from Brazil or if Mexico also had their own 53 block. I read a comment someone posted on another video that the Mexican 53 was better than all other blocks because of the higher Nickel content...🤔

[@TheKcdub1000]

@@mannymx51 I have a 53 and a Mexican block that I'm building rite now. The Mexican block has no 53 anywhere on it. Has a series of numbers. The problem with the 53 blocks came from a casting shift that made the block thinner near the freez plugs on the side. That is where they cracked. Not all suffered from this. And the area can be measured if you pop a plug out and mic it. Over 340,000 on my 53. No leaks yet.

[@mannymx51]

@@TheKcdub1000 Thanks brother. I appreciate the input. really considering buying this box truck.

[@marcusdewitt7442]

What is a 5.9 56 Block

[@CUTTERUPROB]

Just a different casting. One of the good ones

[@marcusdewitt7442]

@@CUTTERUPROB thanks man

[@donovanmorris163]

I think the problematic 53 blocks have all shown up by now. My 99 has 293k miles on it. It's been chipped most of it's life, transmission is badly due for it's first rebuild, only reason I had to change my vp44 was due to my ignorance just recently. Now the steering has been rebuilt, modified or messed with more than I can recall and it has been worked pretty hard over the years. I think people put to much worry on the 53.

[@dc440-4]

My 53 has 390,000 on it and never been rebuilt, I drive it 100 miles a day. It's a 99 and I remember long ago when it was brand new. It's a manual 5 speed 2wd dually. Its had a injector pump, lift pump, tps senser, ecm computer, a couple steering gear boxes, front end rebuilt twice,just put 3rd clutch in. Heater core and evaporator core , new dash . Oh and 5th and reverse gear nut fixed. That's all I can think of but I'm sure there is some more stuff but considering all the driving I've done that's really no to bad. Oh a bout 3 starters too.

[@donovanmorris163]

@@dc440-4🤣 that fu@king heater core was the worst. I didn't have a dash for almost a decade! My son just got a p-pumped 99 manual for dirt cheap, first thing he had to do was replace the 5th gear. Not sure if his is a 53. 🤔

[@CUTTERUPROB]

people do worry about alot of stuff they shouldn't lol

[@chadgreen3688]

I just bought a 53 with 86,000 miles

[@scottpinardi4991]

@@chadgreen3688 I also have a 53 block in my truck has 250,000 on it, been chipped most of it’s life ,I let it warm up on the cold days and there is a guy on KZbin that shows a modification to the water pump it takes the pressure or I should say lowers the pressure in the cooling system that might be something to think about when I get a chance I’m going to do the same,

[@jimmungai1938]

Hey Bob or Rob I mean why not get them sonic tested to see how thick they are you might be throwing away a good block this is six in a row Jim Have a nice day

[@CUTTERUPROB]

I can , 53 blocks have such bad number hard to sell one

[@ricardojuarez291]

I think those are the blocks made in brazil. I ear that but don't believe me ok

[@CUTTERUPROB]

i believe you right

[@jackiestreit486]

Hey man you got a set of injectors you can sell me

[@CUTTERUPROB]

What size of injectors