Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) anyone hear of 12v #53 cracked?

[TLanier]

I was looking on the forum for "block heater" and ran across the #53 problem. I went outside, and sure enought I have a #53 block. I read of alot of cracked blocks in the 24v forums, but not in the 12v.



Mine is a 98 12v, and the block has the ribs just like the newer 24v blocks. I guess this is the same block.



There is a layer of grime which prevents me from checking for casting pits or deformations, as described by Piers, until I get the chance to clean it.



So, has anyone heard of a 12v with the 53 having the usual crack on the passenger side near the freeze plugs? Is the 12v somehow different enough in operation from the 24v that the #53 is not an issue?



IS THIS JUST A 24V PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH ITS THE SAME BLOCK ON LATE 12V'S????



On a side note, I am really disappointed that in all my searching and learning about Cummins in my search for my perfect truck, no one mentioned this issue. I mean I could have just crawled under there and said, hey, it is a #53, keep it! I heard all about KDP and air leaks in fuel lines, but basically the 12v will last forever, buy it. No ones fault but my own, but you would think that a problem as major as a cracking block would get more attention on all the dodge sites than ANYTHING else. Really disappointed.

 

[Crowhurst]

If you type "53 block" into the search facility, opt for "search titles only", and only search the forum "12 valve Engine and Transmission (1994-1998), you will get 68 threads to read. I think you will be re-assured after your reading. Nick.

 

[TLanier]

yeah, did that already, just want some facts

yeah, i actually did that before i posted; three pages worth! they basically were full of conjecture, like does this or does this not happen to 12v blocks? no one actually posted anything direct, like,



"12v engines do not experience this problem because x,y, and z. "



there definitely are alot more posts about actual failures in the 24v forum. I just want to know if anyone has any actual facts concerning 12v being prone to NOT failing because of something, or just as prone as 24v, as the 12v #53 in my 98 looks just like a 24v block.

 

[TLanier]

piers response

this is Piers response to my email today:



Hi,



I have never seen or heard of a 12V 53 block having any problems. The 53 block was cast at 2 different foundries, unfortunately, no one can tell me how to tell which block came from which foundry. The only thing I do is feel & look at a particular block for any signs of a porous casting.

Hope that helps, Piers

 

[Dave M]

I have the dreaded "53" block also. I heard about it a few years ago when I first subscribed to the TDR magazine and it had an article on the "53 block". I have since given the mag away(I shouldn't have).



From what I read it doesn't appear to be a big problem but... some have a problem and some don't. The KDP is much more prone to failure. I have not had a problem with 160,000 miles on it. I also would like to hear of people who had a problem or seen it first hand.

 

[Crowhurst]

This link is to a site devoted to the 53 block issue. http://www.stamey.nu/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

 

[Jim Fulmer]

this is Piers response to my email today:



Hi,



I have never seen or heard of a 12V 53 block having any problems. The 53 block was cast at 2 different foundries, unfortunately, no one can tell me how to tell which block came from which foundry. The only thing I do is feel & look at a particular block for any signs of a porous casting.

Hope that helps, Piers

My motor is a 53 block!



Jim

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Maybe the 12-valve 53 blocks don't have issues because of the firing characteristics of the engine. Maybe the sharper rattle of the 24 valve or the frequency of it resonates the block more and causes them to crack.



That's one of my theories from far out in left field anyway



Vaughn

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Maybe the 12-valve 53 blocks don't have issues because of the firing characteristics of the engine. Maybe the sharper rattle of the 24 valve or the frequency of it resonates the block more and causes them to crack.



That's one of my theories from far out in left field anyway



Vaughn

Put some timing in a 12V and the tone is the same!



Jim

 

[TLanier]

yeah my timing was bumped up to 15. 5' shortly after i got it, and the sound is much sharper, stronger. but it still doesnt sound like a rattlin' 24v.



i suppose if yours was gonna crack jim, 840 stallions outta do it.



ive got 167,000 on the clock. we'll see.

 

[TLanier]

oops, make that 870 ponies! whoops.