Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cracked #53 Block (Having problems getting resolved)

[ToolManTimTaylor]

NO NO NO Not My #53 As I refuse to look to see what # I even have!



This came in an email that they guy fired off to me. I believe he will register (RIGHT JIM!) so here it goes.



<hr>



Date: 10/17/2003 11:35:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

From: JamesJ530@aol

To: ToolManTimTaylor@aol





Hey TMTT My 53 block is now cracked, and leaking coolant from that very location. The reason I stumbled upon your email address is because I was looking back in the posts to see how far back this problem started. I also found one where someone had an ambulance with an ISB motor crack in the same place and was worried that Dodge might be getting some of these blocks. Funny how this problems start. I am not currently a member of TDR (just found out about it ), so I cant ask questions on line.



The motor is a 99 24 valve with 128000 miles , Dodge wont touch it, Cummins will pay half, if I take it where they tell me to, but the place they sent me to in Sparks Nevada wont call me back. Cummins will not give me any case # or any paperwork to fill out. Sounds like they don't want any news to spread. Do you think this is my best offer, and what about everyone else with a 53 block? They are basically sitting on a money bomb. This isnt a $500 repair or even a $3000 repair, this is a $13,000 repair if you took it to the dealer. As it stands right now Cummins told me it would probably cost me $2500. I cant believe that Daimler Chrysler will not offer any assistance, not even to direct me to talk to Cummins. I had to pry any info I got out of Jackson at DC Customer Service. Maybe someone has a solution to this problem? Thank You, Jim

<hr>



So Whaddyah think? I think that there is a broken link of communication that is goin' bad. However 2500 IS CHEAP! Cummins now ProRates the #53?

 

[Rob Thomas]

It sucks that the guys with the 53 block MIGHT have a problem one day, and no one (Cummins or DC) will fix it before it breaks. However, he does have 128k on it, DC is laughing at him at that mileage, knowing they dodged another bullet. I would be irate of course, but under the circumstances, the $2500 from Cummins doesn't sound too bad. You may want to jump on it before they change their mind.



Good luck, Rob

 

[jgillott]

I agree with Rob... . $2500 isn't bad considering what it could cost.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

That's what I said. $2500. is far better than I have seen before. A brand new Crate engine in Turnkey form from cummins was

?$4850. ? That is without labor oil parts etc if memory serves me right that motor is from Cummins Northwest.

Now Jim Has gone over the factory 100K by 28,000. Which in the long scheeme of things as far as Cummins are concerned works out to be 1/3rd of its rated R&R (Which we all know is far too soon) as it sits with 128K on it. So is it possible that Cummins took mileage into account for him at a Third pro rated engine life discount? That 2500 dollars Is in fact a wicked deal if it is the final price.

 

[dezeldog]

I'm with Rob and TTTT, I'd be on that 2500 like a chicken on a June Bug



Jim

 

[csevers]

TOTAL B S

I am another (not so) happy #53 block owner and think this B S from the get go, they F ed up and they know it but don't want to do anything about it. If they want to prorate the block then they better do it on the average of the engines out there and that would include the 1 million milers, because this is what people are acually getting out of there engines and the MAIN reason a lot of people buy a dodge with the cummins to start with. The engine block is NOT a minor inconvience like the liftpump or maybe the VP is. I would try to get the best deal in writting and then go over there heads and try to get more. Good Luck!! If it does happen to me I will probably buy a used engine and build it up better than now with all the parts that are available at the time.



Craig

 

[Cobra]

man I'd jump quick on that 2500.

 

[fullthrottlefarmer]

What year of trucks did these blocks come in?

 

[MCharlebois]

what

how can you find out if you have one of these-a number in the vin?????????

 

[EChesser]

Originally posted by ToolManTimTaylor

NO NO NO Not My #53 As I refuse to look to see what # I even have!



This came in an email that they guy fired off to me. I believe he will register (RIGHT JIM!) so here it goes.



<hr>



Date: 10/17/2003 11:35:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

From: JamesJ530@aol

To: ToolManTimTaylor@aol





Hey TMTT My 53 block is now cracked, and leaking coolant from that very location. The reason I stumbled upon your email address is because I was looking back in the posts to see how far back this problem started. I also found one where someone had an ambulance with an ISB motor crack in the same place and was worried that Dodge might be getting some of these blocks. Funny how this problems start. I am not currently a member of TDR (just found out about it ), so I cant ask questions on line.



The motor is a 99 24 valve with 128000 miles , Dodge wont touch it, Cummins will pay half, if I take it where they tell me to, but the place they sent me to in Sparks Nevada wont call me back. Cummins will not give me any case # or any paperwork to fill out. Sounds like they don't want any news to spread. Do you think this is my best offer, and what about everyone else with a 53 block? They are basically sitting on a money bomb. This isnt a $500 repair or even a $3000 repair, this is a $13,000 repair if you took it to the dealer. As it stands right now Cummins told me it would probably cost me $2500. I cant believe that Daimler Chrysler will not offer any assistance, not even to direct me to talk to Cummins. I had to pry any info I got out of Jackson at DC Customer Service. Maybe someone has a solution to this problem? Thank You, Jim

<hr>



So Whaddyah think? I think that there is a broken link of communication that is goin' bad. However 2500 IS CHEAP! Cummins now ProRates the #53?

 

[LSMITH]

I would stop drill the crack, get a good block sealer in it and a couple cases of premix coolant in the bed and go for a ride. No way would I pay anyone a single red cent to fix it until I had completely exhuasted my alternatives INCLUDING epoxy in the crack.

 

[EChesser]

#53 Engine

I'd like to know more about the possibility of coolant leaking from the #53 engine. I'd appreciate any information anyone has.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Cracked block



Here is a search of the forums for cracked block, it should keep you busy for a little bit. Any questions you have pertaining to how to identify a 53 block and where to look can be found in the search. Some of the threads are not about the 53 block but you can identify that by the thread title. Good luck

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Odd that no one seems to have an issue with the 12V #53's



Jim