countryauto, welcome to the forum. You have hit the nail on the head -- the ISB does generate excellent fuel mileage. Not to be discounted!!

quote:

Originally posted by Ed-Deb:

quote:

Originally posted by andyk:
Before you by a 1999 ISB you better be sure it does not have the "53" block. You can research the problems associated with this block. A fix could cost over $20K.

The "53" block is / was an issue. However, if the "killer dowel pin" has been replaced with the "fix" then it becomes a non-issue.

I have a "53" block in my 99 Dodge and have not done the "fix" and still no troubles at 100k+ miles.

Ed

Hi -- we are considering buying a 99 Diplomat much like this one, and i've no clue what the 53 block or the killer dowel pin is. Can you elaborate?

Thanks!

I also have a 275hp ISB, according to Cummins. I've talked to their technical representatives about both the "53" problem (which mine is) and the KDP (Killer Dowel Pin).

For the block crack problem, Cummins states that it happened to less than 1 percent. They will evaluate providing assistance if it does occur on a case by case basis. I assume that the closer one gets to 100k miles, the less likely getting assistance will be. On of my regular maintenance routines is to carefully inspect the potential crack areas with a bright light. Like the man falling out of the 10 story building and passing the 5th floor saying "so far, so good", that is all I can do.

Cummins also states that the KDP problem was limited to the pickup truck version of the 5.9. I've seen stories about MH owners who did the KDP "fix" but none of them indicated that they saw the pin slippage prior to that. On that basis, I've elected not to address it. I hope that I never have cause to regret that decsion.

11 mpg I get 12
great info I was woundering about over heating when you pull those steep grades
3 or 4 miles fine but anything more the temp starts to rise

This; from Dave Fritz's rampage, explains the entire KDP (killer dowel pin) issue:
"Oil Leak at timing case, loud engine noise, engine miss, and (rarely) sudden stall - All engines built before March 1998: Assembly pin in timing case can fall into the timing gears. The pin bangs around inside the case until caught by a gear and thrown through the case. This can also damage the gears, camshaft, injector pump, or vacuum pump. This is a known problem that occurs infrequently. The simplest way to prevent this is to block the pin with a tab or bolt.
Description of bolt in housing case to retain pin. Description of tab to retain bolt.
See TDR threads for additional details if you are a member. If not, google "killer dowel pin" for plenty of information.
"KDP" Killed today!
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum1/HTML/000974.html
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum12/HTML/000031.html
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb//Forum12/HTML/000034.html
Preventative step to trap the pin before it escapes - TDR posting: Dowel Pin Pictures"
The results from the dowel pin coming out, range from finding the pin in the crankcase all the way to the pin falling between the timing gears, breaking the camshaft, breaking the block at camshaft bearing points; ie: totally destroyed engine.
You will note this pertains to pre-1998(12 valve engines only).

it sounds like most of the 53's are in dodge trucks is that true

what about the 4 speed trans is it prone to problems or is it good