What is a 54 engine?

[DannieBoy]

I need a used engine block for a 24v Cummins, and I saw similar ads saying beware of cracks and 54 (or 53?) used blocks.
Question: What are they worried about? Cracks I understand, I don't want a cracked block, I already have one, that's why I need another one.

Dannieboy

 

[tonkadoctor]

53 are the blocks with the bad rep for cracking.

 

[rebel_horseman]

The 53 blocks were in 2000 and some 2001 trucks with the ETC engine. I had a 53 block in my 2000 3500 4x4 and when I sold it with 170k miles it wasn't a problem. I used to see it every so often in town so I know it's still on the road.

The problem with the 53 block is that it was cast in Mexico and in some instances the castings were a bit thinner than they probably could have been and created a potential weak spot. The engine code is found on the passenger side bottom of the block.

 

[Whit]

look here please

http://oilburners.net/forums/showthread.php?t=19536&highlight=Cummins+block

 

[lukesdiesel]

http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm