Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 53 block cracked... will this work?

[Cummins724]

My block has just a small crack thats maybe a 1/4" long. I have an appointment on monday to get it welded up. I was expecting it to happen. . so I bought a engine from my friend, but the engine is a 1990 model #0804 block. It was in a international log skidder & it caught on fire in the cab burning the valve cover of the #6 cylinder. I bought the complete engine for $500. 00. I started the tear down last night & noticed a chip in one of the pistons at the very edge, but didn't see any scarring in the cylinder wall. I also saw water in 2 cylinders, but I planned on a rebuild anyways. I just want to find out some info about this block before I rebuild it... like is 0804 block a good one? Anything like kdp that I should worry about? I will be rebuilding this engine all winter taking my time & no short cuts. Anyone know of places to buy pistons, gasket kits, bearings at a fair price? Also I would like to find a 24v head etc. to finish the motor. I wanna do a complete engine to make the swap go faster. Thanks in advance.

 

[Bpostel]

One thing that block doesn't have is the crank position sensor. Without that alot of gauges and accessories won't work. I would find another block.

 

[ACoyle]

Check this out: http://www.locknstitch.com/RepairExamples.htm it works, it saves a rebuild, and it dosen't cost a lot.



AC

 

[Cummins724]

One thing that block doesn't have is the crank position sensor. Without that alot of gauges and accessories won't work. I would find another block.

I checked my truck [99] & I didn't see the crank position sensor. Is it mounted under the front cover? I looked all around the balancer & couldn't see it.

 

[Cummins724]

Check this out: http://www.locknstitch.com/RepairExamples.htm it works, it saves a rebuild, and it dosen't cost a lot.



AC

I was going to get the kit & asked around diesel shops, mechanics etc. & they said it won't last with my mods. I also do alot of heavy towing & was told that it won't hold up. I read some of the posts on locknstitch & guys were saying that it is only a temporary fix. I will look into it some more, but have you tried it? Is it holding up?

 

[Bpostel]

The crank sensor is on the drivers side of the block, right above the starter.

 

[AFarmer]

Welding is only a temporary fix. The entire block in that region where the crack rears it's ugly head is very thin so it will continue on. Best thing - get a block.

 

[Cummins724]

I emailed cummins & told them what happened. The returned email said to call them tomorrow & most likely scenario for guys with no warranty is that cummins will pay for parts, but I have to pay labor & fluids [oil & antifreeze]. I am calling them tomorrow & crossing my fingers that this is true. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

[Dirks]

When my 53 block cracked with my out-of-warranty truck, I called Cummins West and they gave me the number of a guy in charge of this issue.



Cummins West "reblocked" my engine to the new storm block. I paid the labor and they paid for parts except fluids. I don't have the receipt since I'm out at a job site away from home but the D/C dealer wanted $12k to replace the engine! I seem to recall the Cummins West cost was around $3k. They did great work!

 

[Cummins724]

I talked to cummins rep & he said that they will only give $1000 towards parts/labor. This is because I didn't want to take the truck to a cummins shop. I have way too many mods to return this thing to stock condition & that would cost as much as a engine. The truck is a 99 so I can't complain about that... . 7 years later. They said that if I were the original owner than I would get parts free.

 

[Cummins724]

I have been calling/searching for a replacement engine all day. I found a few good ones, but need to know if they will work in my truck. Do the 01-02 H. O motors have any differences? Will any engine work from 98. 5-02? I won't even consider a 53 block... I make everyone check the casting # to make sure the engine they have isn't a 53. The one I am considering has no small number on the bottom under the injection pump, but has a bunch of numbers all bunched up together. I was told it says 25L8A14. Is it a mexican block?

 

[Cummins724]

I am getting my truck back tomorrow. Cummins replaced the Block, rings, mains, rod bearings & gasket kit at no charge for parts. I got really lucky & only had to pay $1726. 18 for labor. I took the engine only to Cummins Crosspoint in Fairmont W. V. Saving me about $1500. in labor of cummins removing/installing the engine. I figured that since it was already out... Why not get it studded & oringed with the money I saved? Its at Advanced Diesel Technology getting the head done now. I'm not sure what block this one is, but I made sure it wasn't a 53. It had a bunch of small numbers & letters on drivers side under injection pump. Any ideas on which block this is?

 

[JStaton]

One thing that block doesn't have is the crank position sensor. Without that alot of gauges and accessories won't work. I would find another block.

This Statement is incorrect... ALL the blocks from 94-02 are the same and have the hole in the side of the block for the crank sensor it just has a tab bolted over it. but that does not mean the crank has the tone ring on it.



Just wanted to clear that up for people that dont know any better.

 

[Cummins724]

This Statement is incorrect... ALL the blocks from 94-02 are the same and have the hole in the side of the block for the crank sensor it just has a tab bolted over it. but that does not mean the crank has the tone ring on it.



Just wanted to clear that up for people that dont know any better.

He was referring to my question about the 1990 block sitting in my garage collecting dust. It don't have the hole for the sensor.

 

[AFarmer]

Your block is just like the one I bought. I decided not to let Cummins do anything under my hood but to just go ahead and get everything myself. It really helps to have the right connections in the right places.

 

[BobbyF]

I am getting my truck back tomorrow. Cummins replaced the Block, rings, mains, rod bearings & gasket kit at no charge for parts. I got really lucky & only had to pay $1726. 18 for labor. I took the engine only to Cummins Crosspoint in Fairmont W. V. Saving me about $1500. in labor of cummins removing/installing the engine. I figured that since it was already out... Why not get it studded & oringed with the money I saved? Its at Advanced Diesel Technology getting the head done now. I'm not sure what block this one is, but I made sure it wasn't a 53. It had a bunch of small numbers & letters on drivers side under injection pump. Any ideas on which block this is?

We are in the same boat with a defective #53 with 200,000 miles on it and we are the second owner. We were told by Cummins NW that Cummins won't do anything on this for us because of the high miles. Would you mind sharing the name and phone number of the Cummins rep you spoke with directly so that we can try that too. Do you know if the Cummins repair shops have any say as to what will be paid for or not? It appears persistence in this matter is the deciding factor as to what arrangements Cummins will make for replacement. Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[Cummins724]

The mileage is a key factor... I am not sure if they will help, but the call that I made was to 1-800-diesels. I was calm & nice speaking to the cummins rep & it paid off. The repair shops get a reference number from cummins directly as to what will or will not be covered. I think that cummins is a top notch company & at the least will make some attempt to help, but if you were telling me that you first noticed the leak @ 100,000 miles & added antifreeze to the system daily & had a slip from a garage that backs this up... . Then I'd say yes. . They will cover it. If you don't get covered, do a search on cherry auto parts... They have a great amount of engines & good prices too.

 

[VGorin]

Iv'e had the 53 block issue , tried lock and stitch didnt work , tried the welding didnt work , then last but not least tried JB weld and that seemed to hold the most coolant in but that is only a temp fix.

When i originally spoke to cummins they stated that lock and stitch and any type of welding would not hold up on that type of cast material , and they were right.

I think all the time and materials i put in i could have been close to buying a brand new engine . :-laf