Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 53 block failure poll!!!

[Speedo]

My 53 short block was replaced under warranty at around 90,000 miles.



Gus

 

[BillBrown]

53 here with some mods, 108,000 miles, run the crap out of it and if it cracks I will put somethin else with twice the power back.

 

[AFarmer]

Bill - that's exactly what I said and that's what I'm gonna do. Some never have trouble and then others do. The risks we take - dang it!!!!

 

[Holzarbeiter]

Block cracked @ 131,000 only mod at that time was the comp box

 

[Valv]

I think this is a hype started from somebody. Look at statistics from members only here.

There are millions of block 53 and very few have cracked.

Mine (the 2nd) 53 at 228,000 miles hasn't done anything and it does NOT concerns me.



In fact if you have a truck with a block 53 and want to sell it to me cheap, I'll gladly buy it... . :-laf

 

[dnesbitt3]

260K and still running great. Mainly city driving without a load. 10% pulling 10K fith wheel or 3K boat.



I'm not worried about it at this point... .

 

[Highfinance97]

Well i want to thank everyone for there input.



looks like 75% of you still havent had a problem, guess i will try my luck :-laf

so Today we will be going to pick up the 1999 "53 Block"!!









Michael

 

[Danno]

79k no problems...

I have a 99 2500 auto 4x4, 4:11 gears. The only problems I have had are these. Leaking fuel outlet(rust) on my fuel tank. Replaced with a newer plastic unit... . It did not have a tank vent so my tank pressurized causing starvation problems at WOT. Tank is now vented, pressure problem solved. Transmission is eating band struts???? The Cummins is rock solid.

 

[GDMRTN]

117,000 mile when mine cracked. That's when I bought it. Don't know what it had prior to me but I ran it about 30,000 mile before replacing.

 

[SHobbs]

Currently have 205,000 on mine with no problems. Only things needed to do is 1 VP44, two L. P's, water pump and front end rebuild.

 

[MHagen]

It looks like I have a 53 block too :{



This stamp is under the oil filter. Do I really have one????



John

Yep its a 53. My 53 failed at 180,000. I bought a used 55 block and swapped my stuff over.

 

[johncameron]

Yep its a 53. My 53 failed at 180,000. I bought a used 55 block and swapped my stuff over.

Where did yours crack? All looks good now but I'm not easy on it



JC

 

[jhoughton]

78,800 first noticed 2" crack. I do pull semi often about 10k. 300 miles later had a 6" crack and was loosing antifreeze too fast to continue use. Replaced with a new block swapping old parts and replacing all bearings. Now have the latest block and no problems. There is definantly a differance in the block thickness where they used to crack.

 

[Shadrach]

I see Cummins raised the price of a new block by a lot this summer. They used to be reasonable. My wallet aches for those of you who had to change a block or engine but I'm glad to see the percentage is low. Shadrach

 

[dkosheba]

Yes, I too would like to know where they crack. LH or RH side? Please show me.

 

[CHornsby]

127K miles and just a "few" mods.



Still going fine and even though I don't hot rod all around, I do stretch its legs from time to time.

 

[Highfinance97]

Yes, I too would like to know where they crack. LH or RH side? Please show me.

53 Block FAQ and Information





Michael

 

[cArNiVaLwOrKeR]

I also am the victim of the CrackedBlock CrAp,

Just step up and buy the new block, I did and basically have a new Motor...