Cummins 5.9

[pawpace]

I am looking at buying a 2000 Winnebago 36' Chiefton with the 5.9 275 horsepower engine. I have the VIN and engine serial number and need to find out if the engine has the 53 casting. Since it is 1200 miles from me, I cannot physically check it myself. Where can I call to find out if it has the dreaded 53 casting?

I am selling my motorhome that has the 454 chevy because of lack of power towing my jeep through the mountains and the constant shifting of the transmission. The Winnebago has the Allison MD 3060 6 speed tranny. Will this combination be any better than the one I have now.?

Thanks for the help and advice.

[t55watson]

Originally Posted by pawpace

I am looking at buying a 2000 Winnebago 36' Chiefton with the 5.9 275 horsepower engine. I have the VIN and engine serial number and need to find out if the engine has the 53 casting. Since it is 1200 miles from me, I cannot physically check it myself. Where can I call to find out if it has the dreaded 53 casting?

I am selling my motorhome that has the 454 chevy because of lack of power towing my jeep through the mountains and the constant shifting of the transmission. The Winnebago has the Allison MD 3060 6 speed tranny. Will this combination be any better than the one I have now.?

Thanks for the help and advice.

The high end down shifts (6 to4) will be less harsh. But you still don't have a lot of power for your combo. Should take the worst mountain passes (Wolf Creek) at about 35 MPH and will need to drop to 3rd gear.
I can't help you with your other questions.

[BFlinn181]

You could try registering here: https://quickserve.cummins.com/info/index.html
But I'm not sure they provide the origin of the block casting. Another way to think of the issue is, if the block hasn't cracked in the past 13 years, it's probably O.K. I believe the issue of the weak casting developed in the first few years. While the new rig won't be a screamer, it has some advantages over the 454 Chevy.
1) Engine in rear so you won't hear it.
2) Much lower RPM power range than a gasser
3) HP and torque can be increased relatively easily (and Allison 3060 can handle more)
4) Exhaust brake
5) Air bag suspension

[WILDEBILL308]

Cheack out the info on this link.
Cummins # 53 Block Casting | Identification, History, & Repair

I wouldn’t let the "FEAR OF THE -53" stop me from buying a good motor home. I have not heard of a 12 valve -53 block leaking.
Bill

[Ray,IN]

The "53 casting" information. If your block develops a crack it can be repaired by welding, but it requires an excellent professional welder who is familiar with the procedure.

[Hooligan]

A 2000 275HP Cummins 5.9 should be an ISB 24 valve engine. Change over from 12 to 24 valve (the ISB) was in 1998.

If still concerned ask present owner to verify.

[wirelessenab]

Originally Posted by Hooligan

A 2000 275HP Cummins 5.9 should be an ISB 24 valve engine. Change over from 12 to 24 valve (the ISB) was in 1998.

If still concerned ask present owner to verify.

Or 1997.

My Discovery with a build date of 05/97 has a 24 valve 5.9 ISB.

It also has a 53 block

No problems yet at 71000 miles.

[Triker56]

My 99 has a ISB 5.9(Aug 1998) 53 block engine.
I added the Banks kit over 8 years ago. No problem.

Most of the 53 block problems were on the pick up trucks with a engine mounting bracket located at the problem area.

A DP has the engine mounting at a different location.
When cold starting the ISB just take it easy until water temps is up.

I went from a 454 to the ISB 275 HP. There is no comparison.
You will almost double MPG and climb most 6% hills in 4th and not screaming in 2nd.

Only way to know if it is a 53, is to look at the stamp on the block.

[cat938g]

The casting #53 should be on the front of the block, low, drivers side.

[Hooligan]

Originally Posted by wirelessenab

Or 1997. My Discovery with a build date of 05/97 has a 24 valve 5.9 ISB.

Not the first time I've been lead astray by believing things I read on the internet...
Cummins specs show the ISB was built from 1998.5 to 2007...
5.9L Cummins 24v Specs

[onechaddude]

Originally Posted by Hooligan

Not the first time I've been lead astray by believing things I read on the internet...
Cummins specs show the ISB was built from 1998.5 to 2007...
5.9L Cummins 24v Specs

The 24 valve came out in a dodge truck as a 1998.5. Maybe in motorhomes it was available sooner. The v10 in class A motorhomes came out in 1999 but was available couple years earlier in class C and maybe trucks. Not an expert, just a possibility.
Chad

[Homey55]

I've got a 99 with a 275hp 5.9 ISB. Before I bought crawled under to look for the 53 block. To my suprise I saw a 56. My question is when did the 56 block come out? Carfax showed a warantee repair in 2003. Wondering if the engine was replaced. No way of knowing other than the 56 might have came out later than 99?

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by Homey55

I've got a 99 with a 275hp 5.9 ISB. Before I bought crawled under to look for the 53 block. To my suprise I saw a 56. My question is when did the 56 block come out? Carfax showed a warantee repair in 2003. Wondering if the engine was replaced. No way of knowing other than the 56 might have came out later than 99?

The 54 and 56 block was a later design to correct the 53 cracking. I think most 56 were made in Mexico and no problems reported. If you have a '98.5 - '01 (roughly) you have about 1 in 8 chance it's a 53 block.

[Rjknight]

Our Monaco had the 53 block, according to the previous owners maintenance log in 2005 the block developed a crack and coolant leak at 57000 miles. The block, rings and bearings were replaced but I haven't checked the number on the current block.