How common are block cracks/failures in the Cummins 5.9L with "Block 53" casting?
I've been surfing the Internet for the past couple of days checking out Ram Trucks with the 5.9 Liter Cummins and I've noticed some sellers specifically mention their truck does not have a Cummins "Block 53" casting and therefore believe their truck should be worth more money.
I did a quick Google Search and learned that the "Block 53" issue refers to cracks that develop in the short block of the 5.9 Liter Cummins that result in coolant loss. Apparently the cracks start as seepage cracks and continue to worsen to the point the engine needs to have coolant added even after short trips.
The "Block 53" issue affects certain 1999 - 2002 Dodge trucks equipped with the 24 valve 5.9 liter engine. Not all trucks from this era have "Block 53" engines - there were other castings that were being used at the same time.
Is this a common problem that eventually impacts all "Block 53" Cummins engines or a relatively uncommon event that gets blown out of proportion due to the Internet?
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