Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 53 block repair reimbusement?

[desertrydr]

I have a 99 Dodge ram 2500 with the 53 block that cracked. It has 74,000 miles on it. I've read most of the archives about 53 blocks, and in the past Cummins would pay part of the repair (usually they
would pay for parts and the customer would pay labor). Now they don't want to help with my truck, saying it's too old, which hardly seems fair. Has anybody received any help from Cummins in the past 5 years for one of these repairs? I'm trying to find any documentation at all would show that they have paid part of the cost.

Or any other ideas about a repair? I have checked out Lock'NStitch, Belzona (similar to JB Weld), the possibility of welding, and many other possibilities. It seems the only real repair is to reblock the
motor or put in a used motor. I'm even having problems finding a NON-53 block or engine for a replacement. Most of the 99s out there seem to have the 53 block. Any suggestions would be very helpful as I don't have $10,000 to fix this truck, which I FINALLY got set up just the way I want it for towing my horse trailer.

 

[jgillott]

1st of all, I'm sorry to hear about your 53 block troubles. It's been a while since I've heard of one cracking.

Back when the 53 block Crack issues were first happening, we went through the process of trying the lock n stitch on 2 of our friends trucks here. As you have probably read by now, it really didn't turn out to be a long term fix on those trucks and the blocks ended up being replaced. If you can find a good non 53 block to replace it with, that will certainly be the best choice long term for you.

Best of luck finding a block. Hopefully someone here will have a lead on one for you.

 

[SMcGrady]

Sorry to hear this. My 99 had a 53 block, but it was still intact when I sold it recently, with about 125k on the clock. I never heard of anyone getting dodge to step up on this issue, and I think it's unlikely that anyone would have any luck trying to get then to move on a 17 year old truck, regardless of the mileage. I agree that finding a replacement block is the best long term fix. Good luck!

 

[The patriot]

Hate to say it, but ...no matter how you look at it, that's out of warranty.

 

[JR]

It doesn't have to be a 99. 98.5-02 blocks will work.

 

[SMcGrady]

^^^what he said!

 

[desertrydr]

Actually only 98.5-2000 blocks will work. The 2001-2002's have a different crank position sensor, and it takes some mods to use them.

 

[desertrydr]

Since it's a known defect in manufacturing, they SHOULD be responsible especially since it cracked w/74,000 miles on it. The engine is not suitable for the uses a diesel pickup is generally used for, like hauling, so there is still liability even if it's out of warranty.

 

[Bob4x4]

Since it's a known defect in manufacturing, they SHOULD be responsible especially since it cracked w/74,000 miles on it. The engine is not suitable for the uses a diesel pickup is generally used for, like hauling, so there is still liability even if it's out of warranty.

4 post and already looking for a handout,your engine worked just fine through all of it's warranty period

 

[mwilson]

And no manufacturer of anything would be willing to set a precedent like that. Sorry but you are out of warranty plain and simple, end of story.

 

[mwilson]

At one time a brand new block right from Cummins was fairly priced. I can't check it right now but will be able to later on this week.

 

[Regcabguy]

Sorry to hear this. My 99 had a 53 block, but it was still intact when I sold it recently, with about 125k on the clock. I never heard of anyone getting dodge to step up on this issue, and I think it's unlikely that anyone would have any luck trying to get then to move on a 17 year old truck, regardless of the mileage. I agree that finding a replacement block is the best long term fix. Good luck!

Mine cracked @ 18K and Dodge replaced it with a shortblock and retaining the head. That was in 1999. The replacement was another 53 which was fine when i sold it w/ 40K on the block.

 

[JR]

Actually only 98.5-2000 blocks will work. The 2001-2002's have a different crank position sensor, and it takes some mods to use them.

The blocks are the same. All that's needed is to swap the internals from your engine into a later block. I've personally seen it done. A little extra work but if I was going through the hassle of an engine swap I would disassemble anyhow to do a freshen up. Hot tank the block, new freeze plugs, bearings, rings, gasket set, etc. Cheap insurance to ensure it doesnt come back out anytime soon.

 

[SMcGrady]

Mine cracked @ 18K and Dodge replaced it with a shortblock and retaining the head. That was in 1999. The replacement was another 53 which was fine when i sold it w/ 40K on the block.

You were under warranty then?

 

[BigPapa]

The Cummins engine in the Dodge pickup had no warranty from Cummins. This was how Chrysler bought them from Cummins. Here is the warranty info for a friend of mine's '01 shown on Cummins QuickServe:

 

[Monstermaker]

The blocks are the same. All that's needed is to swap the internals from your engine into a later block. I've personally seen it done. A little extra work but if I was going through the hassle of an engine swap I would disassemble anyhow to do a freshen up. Hot tank the block, new freeze plugs, bearings, rings, gasket set, etc. Cheap insurance to ensure it doesnt come back out anytime soon.

No, I don't believe they are the same. I just went through replacing my cracked 53. Desertrydr is correct.

 

[DClark]

I have a 98.5 24V that came with the 53 block. It gave up at 175K. It was an internal failure, not repairable. I searched for several months for a recycled non 53 block engine. I found one after seeing a lot of 53s in the recyclers yards. Paid $1800 for it and had the mechanic drop it in the truck. It seems to have more power then the original ever had. IMHO Cummins got away with a big one there. They should have had to make it right with Dodge. If you are driving a 53 block, it is a ticking time bomb. It does not seem to matter how you drive it, maintain it, etc. I didn''t abuse mine, but didn't baby it either. So go looking for a non-53 block at recyclers. I guess you could buy a new block if they are available. Good luck.
DClark

 

[KBrennan]

I think I dodged this bullet on mine. I have looked all over the block for the famed "53" and it is not to found. does anyone know how many non 53s were built? I got mine brand new in Dec 98