Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) cracked 53 blocks replaced on warranty and off

[gerry]

I was just curious how many cracked 53 bolcks have been replaced on warranty and out of warranty, how old and how many miles. If on warranty how was it done ie was a new crate motor installed or was old motor parts used in rebuild with new block or what? I recently spoke with someone named Nathan at Cummins hq and he said approx. 1% of the 53s cracked and was given the impression Cummins just used a crate motor each time. Now I've got other imformation Dodge dealers just rebuild on their own. I was also interested to know how owners out of warranty dealt with the issue.

 

[HBarlow]

I have no idea how many 53 blocks were replaced or what the percentage of failures was. I do know of one owner who bought his '01 new with a 53 block and it is still not cracked at over 100k miles. I've read of a few TDR members reporting theirs did crack.

I seriously doubt that Dodge dealers have rebuilt any Cummins engines, certainly not under warranty.

If I had a bad Cummins engine I would purchase a Cummins reman.

 

[Midnite]

I don't believe cracked 53 blocks were covered under warranty, regardless of whether it was Dodge or Cummins.

 

[Bob4x4]

During the normal warranty period they were repaired by way of short blocks.

 

[gerry]

cracked 53s

During the normal warranty period they were repaired by way of short blocks.

Were the short blocks r & r'd at Dodge dealers or by Cummins, and I wonder how many were done? I also wonder who out there had their blocks replaced at their own expense?

I just turned 100k with my 53 and have had no problems but recently bought a non 53 block with very low miles (26k) for $300 and will keep it hopefully never needing it but just in case. I found it interesting that of the respondents so far none has mentioned any repair except ''loc & stitch'', JB Weld and trying to jam a piece of wood in the crack. The last idea has me scratching my head in amazment. I am also interested in those that chose ''loc & stitch'' how many held up for the long haul. Some may ask why I'm so interested but I really would like to have a better idea of how big an issue this really is for Cummins.

 

[Bob4x4]

The Dodge dealers are supposed to do their own warranty work,but I am sure you will hear of cases where a few dealers sublet the labor

 

[HBarlow]

Were the short blocks r & r'd at Dodge dealers or by Cummins, and I wonder how many were done? I also wonder who out there had their blocks replaced at their own expense?
I just turned 100k with my 53 and have had no problems but recently bought a non 53 block with very low miles (26k) for $300 and will keep it hopefully never needing it but just in case. I found it interesting that of the respondents so far none has mentioned any repair except ''loc & stitch'', JB Weld and trying to jam a piece of wood in the crack. The last idea has me scratching my head in amazment. I am also interested in those that chose ''loc & stitch'' how many held up for the long haul. Some may ask why I'm so interested but I really would like to have a better idea of how big an issue this really is for Cummins.

TDR member Ericbu12 went through that and provided a series of photos and discussion as he did the loc and stitch repair attempt about two years ago. His repairs failed.

Keep in mind, we generally only hear about the blocks that crack. There may be several thousand 53 blocks out there among owners who are not TDR members and don't even know they have 53 blocks or that their engine blocks could be subject to cracking.

I wouldn't lose much sleep over it if I were you. You've already got a replacement engine standing by so you're way ahead of the problem if it should occur.

 

[barryg41]

150k and no problems with my 53 yet. I look every time i wash my truck.

 

[Regcabguy]

Mine cracked@ 18,000 miles. It was replaced with a new shortblock by Dodge.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

I feel fortunate that my 01 has the "taco block"

A friend of mine had his 53 block crack around 125k and tried the JB Weld fix to no avail. He has since replaced it with another 53 from a junk yard and has been lucky with this one so far.

Another friend of mine had almost 200k on his without issue and has since traded it off for an 07 Mega.

 

[jhoughton]

When mine cracked I had around 69K on it. It was over 5 years old. However Cummins agreed to replace the parts if I paid the labor. Once I checked into this I was quoted almost $4500 just in labor. I purchased a new block and all required parts for a rebuild for around $2k and did the work myself. That was almost 3 years ago and 30K miles with no issues. The block came off of e bay where someone else had the same happen and had bought the block but sold the vehicle with the crack.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I know there's been a few warranty replacements mentioned here on TDR for cracked 53 blocks, normally replaced with a short block at a Dodge dealer. Never heard of a Dodge dealer rebuilding an engine.

As for the Cummins engine warranty I thought it was either 5 or 7 years and 100,000 miles, so all 2nd Gen trucks have been out of warranty for several years now.

 

[royal1]

cracked 53 block

I recently discovered my "53" block is cracked. I am interested to know 2 things: 1. Has the lock and stitch repair been successful? I was quoted $1500. 00 dollars for the kit to make the repair.

2. What blocks are compatable with my '99 24 valve engine. I will appreciate any feedback.

 

[FourBarR]

555,000kms on my 53,still going strong. heavy towing,no boxes or mods.

 

[Jason707]

I have the same problem. 230k 14 inch crack. Got the same quote you did and from what i have read there is no guarente with the lock n stitch methode. I am currently in search of another engine as well. I think 02 down should fit no issues be plug and play but please let me no if this is correct or not before i make a costly mistake.

 

[KBrennan]

I feel fortunate that my 01 has the "taco block"

A friend of mine had his 53 block crack around 125k and tried the JB Weld fix to no avail. He has since replaced it with another 53 from a junk yard and has been lucky with this one so far.

Another friend of mine had almost 200k on his without issue and has since traded it off for an 07 Mega.

Ok stupid question... . What is a Taco Block??? I have a 99 and I have looked all over the block for the 53 stamp and have not found it in any of the normal places.

 

[HBarlow]

Your engine block is apparently what Mikey was speaking about. If your engine does not have a 53 visible in the casting under the injection pump yours is a good engine.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

The "taco block" was cast in Mexico instead of Brazil and the casting # will be a 55, 56, or series of small illegible numbers straight down from the injection pump about an inch or so above the oil pan.



Some of the 53 blocks had a good casting, but it's a craps shoot on which one you actually have.



Found this while looking around: https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ion-1998-5-2002/66346-2001-cracked-block.html Good info on here



Edit: Found another link: 53 Block FAQ and Information



And now the "fix": http://www.locknstitch.com/Repair pdf files/Series 53 Cummins 5.9 engine block.pdf