Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Another Cracked 53 Block errrr

[mediccummin]

Well the last couple weeks I have been smelling coolant, seems like this started after the weather went from 80's at day and 50's at night to 50's at day and 20's at night, off and on, past 2 weeks. Just used my block heater for the first time in 6yrs a couple weeks ago, dont know if this contributed or not. My block cracked in the usual spot, right now it is not visible by the naked eye but with the engine running and warm you can see coolant seeping out of about a 3/4-1" area. You can wipe it off and it starts up again. Have not towed in 2 months and my truck is a easy daily driver to work and back, 10 miles. Many mods, and I tow a 35' toyhauler every couple months, not alot in my eyes. 89k on the truck.

Anyone know where to purchase a short or long block at a good price.

Does Lock N Stitch really work, so far I have read -and + about it. I would be willing to try this first.



For those of you with the cracked block, how long until yours cracked further, and how long did you or are you still driving on it with the crack?

This is my daily driver, could the block heater contribute? ANy replies, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. How much does the Lock N Stitch cost? Thanks Dwayne.

 

[hammersley]

can you explain the usual spot??????

And do you have any pictures??????

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

From previous posts and with your low mileage, I'd say there is a good chance Cummins will supply you with the parts if you have it done at an authorized Cummins repair shop. You'll be responsible for the labor only.



Dan

 

[klaybus]

Sorry to hear... . That sucks!



Clay

 

[dsherman]

Thats A drag :--)

I would try the Lock N Stitch, I here it works will.

If Cummins don't cover the parts it will cost you big bucks.

Labor alone will cost you big bucks at a cummins dealer :{ :{

Sorry to here the bad news

David

 

[Graphic man]

i agree that sucks !!!!!!!!!!



i wonder what the % of 53's crack... ... maybe 10% ?



i too have a 53 and i hope it stays together... ... knock on wood!!





Scott

 

[Cummins724]

Another good fix is to get a bottle of Dyke & pour it in. I couldn't believe how that stuff works. I had a crack 6 inches long & Dyke sealed it up. I would give it a try. I like the stuff because if it doesn't work... . you just flush it out with water & it all comes out. It is activated by antifreeze... . no antifreeze it breaks down. I bet it seals it up.

 

[Cummins724]

i agree that sucks !!!!!!!!!!



i wonder what the % of 53's crack... ... maybe 10% ?



i too have a 53 and i hope it stays together... ... knock on wood!!





Scott

When I spoke to a Cummins tech... . he said that they have it narrowed down to a group of trucks. The trucks that haul frequently will usually crack.

 

[Cummins724]

If you are gonna buy a engine..... you can find one here www.cherry-auto.com... ... they have many & you pick the mileage,warranty etc. just find the one that you want... . call them up & ask if it is a 53 block. They will say to call the yard that has the engine & ask. You call that yard & you can get the engine cheaper through them. This website is a good locator, but they only find them & jack the prices up to make a profit. Deal directly with the yard that has it & save.

 

[AFarmer]

I've got some good spare blocks left over from my 53 adventure. They're all good blocks and good castings if that will help you out. Sorry to hear your's cracked too.

 

[Cummins724]

Check this out... . I have done business with him many times & he is a good guy to deal with. Ebay item #140074421335. It is a 98 12v block... It should have the hole for the cam sensor, but its worth checking into. I'm not sure if it is a 53 or not, but you can check. Just trying to help..... I've been there & it sucks.

 

[jmy]

Read the post at the link given below and then call the Cummins Customer Assistence Center at 1-800-343-7357 (1-800-diesels).



Cummins has done right by many dodge owners that are below 100K miles and some that are above.



http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37407

 

[Cummins724]

Read the post at the link given below and then call the Cummins Customer Assistence Center at 1-800-343-7357 (1-800-diesels).



Cummins has done right by many dodge owners that are below 100K miles and some that are above.



http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37407

They replaced mine because they couldn't find a leak @ 60k. Well the leak showed its ugly face at 140k & they covered it, but if any mods are done... . warranty void! This includes exhaust. I just noticed your mileage... . thought you had more than 100k. If you want to know some info of who I spoke with..... Throw me a pm & I'll explain.

 

[mediccummin]

Thanks for all the input so far guys, For those of you that offered to help out in whichever way you can thanks, I will contact you all soon, just going over this hole mess in my head still. It weaps slowly at this point so I'm going to try and throw some stop leak of some sort in to see if it slow it down a little, my crack at this point only appears about 1" long, in the same area as most photos I have seen. I have a camping trip coming up in a few weeks, pulling my toyhauler 5er, want to baby it until then and I'm sure this trip will do it in, any comments??

I do have access to a shop my friend owns and runs a couple hours from here out in Hesperia Ca. I'm sure if I hit him up he'll let me do the work there and he'll rebuild for me at a reasonable price, probably for free but I wont use him for that hell get some cash in return. It just pisses me off that these trucks are breaking like this and Chrysler/Dodge/Cummins dont give a rats @$$. I already replaced my VP, LP, Front Ball Joints, myself, my warranty voided because of all the bombs. Got tired of fighting with dodge and getting my truck back more jacked up then when I took it there.



Anyway I will update on what I plan to do, and will contact those of you that offered blocks or info after I figure this out. This is my daily driver, with three young kids and my wife and I work 14 hr shifts it makes it hard with not having a 3rd car. Unable to share 1 car. Thanks again and keep the info and suggestions coming, sorry So Long. Dwayne

 

[mediccummin]

Hey Dave S, You should join us sometime camping out at Jawbone, Load up the bikes and come out on Presidents Day weekend, shoot me a PM.

 

[mediccummin]

Cummins 724, Will the 98 block work with my truck??

 

[dsherman]

Hey Dave S, You should join us sometime camping out at Jawbone, Load up the bikes and come out on Presidents Day weekend, shoot me a PM.

I tryed calling you mouths ago but you never return my calls

Pm me your phone #



We go out to red mtn.

Be glad to hook up with you and go camping Oo. Oo.

David

 

[ctd8999]

53 block

Medic, Give this guy a call at the Cummins Factory in Columbus, Indiana. Ken Scobel 812-377-7365. Tell him about your block, he should be able to help you out. He gave me all the parts, block, rings, bearings and upper / lower gasket sets. I did the labor myself. Thanks Steve B. P. S. I tried the lock n stitch, the material is to thin to make a lasting repair. The crack in my block was 10" long when I did the lock n stitch.

 

[Cummins724]

Cummins 724, Will the 98 block work with my truck??

I believe the 98 12v blocks had the boss drilled for the cam sensor. I'm almost 100% sure, but ask before buying.

 

[dsherman]

I tryed calling you mouths ago but you never return my calls

Pm me your phone #



We go out to red mtn.

Be glad to hook up with you and go camping Oo. Oo.

David

Dwayne,

DID YOU GET MY CALL TODAY

DAVID