How to Locate the Cast Number on a Cummins 5.9 Engine Block
by Mark Robinson
The Cummins 5.9 diesel engine is commonly found in buses, delivery vans and other heavy duty vehicles. The engine is also an optional power plant in the 3/4-ton and 1-ton versions of the 1994 to 2002 Dodge Ram pickup. Tupy S.A. and Teksid S.p.A. manufactured the 5.9 engine blocks for Cummins, and the only way to tell which company made a particular block is to locate the cast number stamped or embossed on the block. You must go underneath the vehicle to locate the cast number.
Step 1
Crawl under the front of the vehicle on the driver's side and look up at the area of the block underneath the injector pump. You may need to use a mechanic's hand lamp for better visibility.
Step 2
Locate the large wiring harness mounted to the block. The cast number for the Cummins 5.9 engine block will be located just below the wiring harness and above the spot where the oil pan meets the block. Engine blocks cast by Tupy feature a two-digit number embossed on the block surface. Blocks cast by Teksid include a longer series of numbers in a smaller size.
Step 3
Move to the passenger side of the vehicle and look directly below the oil filter mounting assembly. Another instance of the cast number can be found on the block, ahead of the front turbo drain port.
References
Tips
- Many Cummins 5.9 engine owners have reported problems with the "53" block casting, due to premature cracking that allows coolant to leak out of the block. If you own this particular block series, have a professional mechanic inspect the block for cracks and other casting anomalies.
Things You'll Need
- Mechanic's hand lamp
Warnings
- Allow the engine to cool before inspecting it. Hot engine components can cause burns and other injuries.
Writer Bio
Mark Robinson is a freelance graphic designer and writer. Since 2008 he has contributed to various online publications, specializing in topics concerning automotive repair, graphic design and computer technology. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science in graphic design from Alabama A&M University.
