53 block again

[SAndreasen]

Well the neighbors 53 block block cracked last week as well , guess it’s a bad time in the lunar cycle to own a 53

 

[jgillott]

That's amazing. I thought we had pretty much seen the run of those failures by now.

 

[SAndreasen]

You’d think after 20 years they’d have done there thing buy now? We both work our trucks pretty hard so I guess that must have something to do with it local shop welded his I think wait awhile and see how it holds up I had a guy look at mine the other day he really wants it out of the truck to do it

 

[jgillott]

Don't take this the wrong way, but I have no faith in the long term reliability of any of the fixes available out there. Back when those trucks were new, I helped with several repairs from lock 'n stitch, to attempted welds, etc. All ended up needing to just replace the block. Do yourself a favor, if you are going to pull it, just source another good block or used engine and start over.

 

[SAndreasen]

I think we will weld it and run it and be looking for another motor

 

[NIsaacs]

Don't take this the wrong way, but I have no faith in the long term reliability of any of the fixes available out there. Back when those trucks were new, I helped with several repairs from lock 'n stitch, to attempted welds, etc. All ended up needing to just replace the block. Do yourself a favor, if you are going to pull it, just source another good block or used engine and start over.

I agree. The problem with a repair, is you are only welding/repairing the surface. Keep in mind, the re-enforced webbing that is inside the water jacket is compromised/cracked as well, and you can't fix that.

Nick

 

[rekabeka]

I have a 2000 2500 Cummins "53" block, 6 speed trans with 163K. No signs of any cracks, yet. Also, my engine is "P" pumped but that shouldn't have any effect on the block. There are an estimated 100,000 "53" blocks out there in Dodge land. Does anyone have a clue how many have cracked? And, under what condition /circumstances did they crack (towing, abuse, pulling, horsepower upgrades)? How many miles on the oldest "53" block that hasn't cracked? I guess what I'm asking is what percentage of that 100,000 have failed? If your "53" block hasn't developed cracks, will it in time? The "53" block is a death knell for anyone trying to sell one. I think we need some current information / feedback both from Cummins and TDR members. Dave -
2000 2500, 2005 3500 (SRW), 1984 W350 Crew Cab (Plum Crazy)

 

[jgillott]

If you are asking if there is any rhyme or reason for when and/or how these things will crack, there isn't one. They have gone at very few miles in pampered trucks and have survived huge power in race/pulling trucks for hundreds of passes down the track. We have been trying for years to figure out the pattern and we just haven't been able to.

 

[SAndreasen]

I agree. The problem with a repair, is you are only welding/repairing the surface. Keep in mind, the re-enforced webbing that is inside the water jacket is compromised/cracked as well, and you can't fix that.

Nick

I’m not going to put much money into the thing that’s for sure the guy I talked to said he’d like it out but he thought he could do it with it in the truck and that’s what I think I’ll do

 

[SAndreasen]

I have a 2000 2500 Cummins "53" block, 6 speed trans with 163K. No signs of any cracks, yet. Also, my engine is "P" pumped but that shouldn't have any effect on the block. There are an estimated 100,000 "53" blocks out there in Dodge land. Does anyone have a clue how many have cracked? And, under what condition /circumstances did they crack (towing, abuse, pulling, horsepower upgrades)? How many miles on the oldest "53" block that hasn't cracked? I guess what I'm asking is what percentage of that 100,000 have failed? If your "53" block hasn't developed cracks, will it in time? The "53" block is a death knell for anyone trying to sell one. I think we need some current information / feedback both from Cummins and TDR members. Dave -
2000 2500, 2005 3500 (SRW), 1984 W350 Crew Cab (Plum Crazy)

Mine just turned 270000 miles the other day it’s been worked pretty hard pulling trailers . I’d say with two cracking owned buy two different people both trucks bought used id say they are a ticking time bomb

 

[jgillott]

There are used bare 24-valve blocks on Ebay right now starting at approx. $250. It's a ton of work. Like I said. I've been involved in a few of them years ago. But, it is doable.

 

[rekabeka]

OK, and thanks for all of your input and suggestions. I found a company online that is selling "New" Cummins long block crate engines with a one year warranty. I have sent them an inquiry as to what they are using for "blocks" and as soon as I get a response I will publish it here for all interested. Its too bad but if you have a "53" block, the truck is basically worth junk or salvageable parts. I'm not sure a rebuilder would even take the core? Dave - email to -- email address removed --

 

[SMalafy]

I am thinking of buying a 98 24 V and would like to know where on the block is the # 53 stamped. Could you let me know please. Thanks

 

[rekabeka]

The number "53" is cast into the block just above the oil pan on the drivers side at the FRONT of the engine right below the injection pump or power steering unit. It is also, at least on mine, on the opposite side at about the same place. There are some other numbers but the number "53" should be very conspicuous. About an inch or so tall and raised. As long as that number is not "53" you should be OK.

 

[SMalafy]

Thanks a lot for the reply

 

[SAndreasen]

I thought I had lucked out when I bought this truck. Because no 53 on the left side but then I found it on the right side I've owned 5 diffrent 24 valves and this is the only one that's ever had a number stamped

 

[SAndreasen]

There are used bare 24-valve blocks on Ebay right now starting at approx. $250. It's a ton of work. Like I said. I've been involved in a few of them years ago. But, it is doable.

I’m not finding the blocks you mention on eBay

 

[jgillott]

I hope this link works.

http://r.ebay.com/HO6JrB

 

[SAndreasen]

I agree. The problem with a repair, is you are only welding/repairing the surface. Keep in mind, the re-enforced webbing that is inside the water jacket is compromised/cracked as well, and you can't fix that.

Nick

Your right that’s why whatever fix we do won’t be an expensive or hard fix I’ve done a lot of research on the 53 block and your right there is no fixing it I did see a company at one time making a reinforcement for the block that bolted to the side that looked like it might be a good idea but it was quite expensive

 

[SAndreasen]

I hope this link works.

http://r.ebay.com/HO6JrB

Yes the link works but I see the block has a spot for a cam operated lift pump