Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) #53 Block With Performance Upgrades

[BWagner]

I am curious about how many people have performance upgrades and have the 53 block and how many miles do you have. I am worried , should I sell my truck or should I keep it because, I am not rich and don't want a 600 dollar payment a month, because I almost have the thing paid off.



My miles are 97,000 and still towing strong with a Edge Comp. and I don't baby it like the last article inthe magizine said to.



Thanks, Bwagner

 

[csevers]

See sig for all current mods I have 93k on now. First wire tap box was on about 15k off and on mods till about 60k from then on it was modified nicely. I can't worry about all the possibe problems like vp-44-lift pump-53 block-first year 6spd and I was very close to trading off for a 02 before the sickness took over, time will tell if that was a mistake.



Craig

 

[LSMITH]

I have had mine modified for over 80K miles, have over 120K miles on it now. If it cracks have the crack repaired and ride on. You don't have to get a new block as a matter of course.



If mine cracks it will get repaired and back on the road, 1 day TOPS.

 

[tleclair]

Mine cracked at 104,000 miles and I tried several different ways to repair the block with no success. Everything that I tried the crack ended up getting bigger. Finally at around 109,000 and about 20 gallons of anti freeze I decided to bite the big one. It cost me $10,000 to get a long block installed by Cummins dealer. I didn't trust the Dealer in my area and couldn't find a motor anywhere except from Cummins. My oppinion if I knew what I know now I would have sold the thing a long time ago.

 

[cmills]

no problems yet

I have a 99 with a 53 block. It has had injectors and a power edge box for about 120,000 miles and no crack yet. Truck has a 155,000 miles on it now and I do tow quite a bit.



Cory

 

[One Old Dog]

I have had all the mods on mine for over 90,000 miles all is ok but if is see any signs of a creack I wll sell the thing and the dealer can fix it.

 

[BFC]

Mines has 93K, been bombed for 50K. As now around 400HP and NOTHING mechanical as broken yet. Not even the VP44. I wouldn't worry about it.



Glenn

 

[drag racer]

i have a 53 block in my 99, and while i have very low miles and am still stock, i tend to approach this issue from a probability perspective. the odds of the block cracking are pretty low (as evidenced by the results of the poll). granted, if/when mine goes, i won't be happy about it, but i think it's one of those things you just go on living life, enjoy your truck, and deal with it at the time. with all that is going on in the world right now, there are a lot of other things to worry about than this.

 

[NScott]

I tow around 18-20K with my slightly modified(fueling box and 4" exhaust) 99 3500 C&C. I have low miles,around 35000 on my truck, but if it moves it is towing heavy! If mine cracks after warranty ,I can assure you I will fill it with a good dose of LIQUID GLASS (Sodiam Silicate) that anybody can get at the drug store to "fix " the leak. (Be sure to not route it through the radiator while it is in the block because it will plug the rad. up) I will then spray paint the outside of the block with flat or semi flat black paint(which ever matches the best) and promptly sell it or trade it. Cummins SHOULD recall ALL of these blocks and replace them if the owners want them to be replaced!!!!!

 

[BFC]

NScott,



So Cummins should replace a perfectly working block, that as been BOMBED and tows over the rated weight of the vehicule it's into, no questions asked? Regardless of the fact that those engines are sold to Dodge without any warranty?



If they crack during the warranty period they are replaced, Dodge handle the warranty side of things. As for your solution to the problem, I won't even comment... .



Glenn