Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) #53 Just Got Me!

[dmistal]

I was pulling my track bar this afternoon, noticed drops of antifreeze on my Trans pan. I traced the drips to the pass. side of block. It took a while to see it but after a fast idle for ten minutes, a pinhole leak right where these blocks are cracking, Bummer. I've got just over 74K, Its a 99 dually. I tow probably 60% of the time but not real heavy. Going to see my dealer tomorrow, they have done warranty repairs before, no problems then even with my "bombing". I looked at the date I took delivery of my truck, 11-4-98, yep, 5yr. up today, ohhh boyyyy.

 

[MO'Donnell]

They should not give you any grief about one whole day over warranty, especially since you are well under the 100k mile mark. Make it a point to tell them you noticed on 11/4, but after they were closed, etc. Plan B is call DC customer service and you will probably get it covered. Good luck, keep us posted!

 

[dmistal]

Thanks for wishing me good luck, I've got this feeling I'll need it. It's sorta ironic, I read past posts of everyone going to look to see what block they had, me included. At that time I couldn't find the number. Today, after seeing the drips, I was driving the pickle bar home to pop the stud, I look up to that left front corner of the block, I look directly at that "53", plain as day. Weird.

 

[rmrc]

Maybe I'm mistaken, but I thought that the engine has a 100,000 mile warranty regardless how long you have the truck.

 

[illflem]

It's five years or 100k, which ever comes first.

I've known two people who tried to get warranty claims the first week after the five years were up, no luck. DC says they have to draw a line somewhere.

If your dealer has a heart they may fudge the claim date for you. Good luck

 

[MO'Donnell]

For a known, major defect like the infamous #53 block, they may be more willing to cover it. The dealer will have to push the claim, and if alll else fails call one of the lemon-law attorney's in the area. Not an instant resolution, but they can make a case for breach of warranty/acting in bad faith. Friend had the rear end covered on his 1500 like this - known problem in the rear end, not far out of warranty. Dealer went to bat for him with DC, and got them to cover it.



What dmistal has in his favor is that the problem was spotted BEFORE the warranty expired, but cannot control the hours of the dealer service dep't. Work with the dealer first, then the local zone/DC cust. service.

 

[dmistal]

I stopped by my dealer this morning, conversation did not go well and also mentioned my warranty had expired the day before. Told me to check with him tomorrow afternoon. I just got home, and he'd left a message to call, I expected the worst. NOT AT ALL, going to drop it off tomorrow morning, Hes ordering my replacement short block!!!!!!! I am HAPPY and relieved. Thanks to all who wished me luck, I know it helped. Dave



PS They are really a good bunch of guys at this dealership, but I can tell you that DC has put the fear in them about warranty claims.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

That's good news dmistal, keep us posted on how things go.



Vaughn

 

[Valkyrie99]

I had the exact same problem on my '99 last year. I was told by my dealer that Cummins had a 7 yr 100K warrenty. Was he wrong on the 7 yrs? I also had about 70K on the engine.

 

[dmistal]

I have heard different time frames from others, but the service manager at my dealership told me it was 5 years or 100k. I need to stop down tomorrow to see if they have heard anything about my replacement short block. I also want to ask if Its possible to keep my original short block, wonder if anyone else has done it? Dave

 

[parcher]

I'll bet money you don't get to keep the short block. . It is WAY too valuable for core parts even though the block is bad.

 

[Mad Bomber]

Dealers

It's nice to hear there are still quality dealers, do tell us where this dealer is.

 

[Valkyrie99]

"Dealers

It's nice to hear there are still quality dealers, do tell us where this dealer is. "



I bought the truck used from Jack Powell Dodge in Escondido, CA. They were a little snooty when I went in for service, but I have never had to argue with them. I also bought a used Jeep from them and the clutch went out at the end of the 3 month warranty. They fixed it without any complaints. I find this as odd as you do. I NEVER have this kind of cooperation or luck.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Originally posted by dmistal

I have heard different time frames from others, but the service manager at my dealership told me it was 5 years or 100k.

I got this in an e mail and the guy sent this over when he saw another 53 story and you may find this interesting..... I sure did.



<hr>

From:M. S Guy



A friend I work with and I both have 99 CTD. His is a DRW w/auto. His block also cracked, but he was under 100,000 and didn't have any problems getting it fixed. Because of my concern, I went home and read through the 99 Ram Pickup Warranty Information Book that came with my truck. I don't know if anyone's tried this yet, but on page 12, section 2. 6, paragraph A, there is a definition of when the warranty begins on the Cummins Diesel Engine. According to this paragraph, the warranty begins at the END of the 3/36 Warranty. Theoretically, we would be able to have 135,999 miles on the odometer and still be covered.



There is a series of numbers on the back cover of this book. these numbers are:



81-016-9009 (12/98) DIAL #00PM1577

<hr>

 

[dclassens]

Just reading this info and wondered where the numbers were agian. Where do you look for the #53 or not?

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=68389

 

[dclassens]

Thanks Tool Man Tim

 

[CCOLLAR]

Anybody heard of a block NOT having any numbers stamped on the flat space above the pan? I have a 99, see where the casting number is supposed to be, but there isn't any large numbers whatsoever.



Thanks.



Craig

 

[dmistal]

Hey Tool Man, I went out to my truck and got my warranty manual out, All be damned if it doesn't say that exactly!! That is very interesting,I will show that to my service manager. I stopped in after work today, short block shipped out on the 11th, should be here any day now. I got my ATS manifold, HD idler pulley and SPA hose kit with clamps. I figured this would be a good time to do some PM. Dave

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

WOW This just may be a good thing! Anyone still have their 2000 , 2001 , 2001. 5 books hangin' arround?