Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Cracked 53

[DavidC]

The 1999 53 block with 53300 miles now has a crack in the block right behind the trans. heat exchanger. Cummins 5 year warranty expired in August 2004. Called Tempe Dodge and they want to see the truck tomorrow 10/12/04. The diesel specialist said he wanted to pressurize the system to verify the crack. The block is stained from antifreeze from that area to the oil pan. The crack is not visible to the eye. When running I can see seepage and of course the stains. I wonder how Dodge and/or Cummins will apprach this so close to the warranty and only 53300 miles on the clock.



Dave

 

[Mad Bomber]

53 block

I thought I've heard that you need to talk to cummins they won't give it to you BUT they will help out alot.

 

[B9Mile]

Quite a bit of info here:



Part 1

http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31562



Part 2

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

 

[DavidC]

Update. Tempe Dodge tech verified crack. A call to Chrysler with a resounding NO. Customer loyalty my a**. Told the rep that I have owned Chrysler vehicles exclusively since 1972 and the Ram and Dakota could possibly be the last. Anyway I called Cummins and gave them the speel. Customer rep said he would send it over to the Dodge liason and they will call me back. So why is it that Chrysler wants the public to be loyal sheep and when the sheep ask for help they say no.

Needless to say this leaves a real bad taste in my mouth for Chrysler right now. We will see with Cummins.



Dave

 

[DavidC]

Latest is that Cummins Ohio will pay 50% replacement. Called Phoenix Cummins and the service manager said it usually runs 7 to 8k for replacement. That leaves me with a 4k bill. If I remember right the diesel option when new was about 4600. I may be able to sell the whole thing for scrap and make enough to pay off the truck. I really hate to say it but a maxi-pad might be in my future if this repair really happens. I may just be pi**ed enough to do it. I will go take a bottle of sedatives now.



Dave

 

[Forrest Nearing]

dude, you think you're angry at the Cummins? I know you've god a bitter taste in your mouth right now, but just WAIT till you hose yourself on a Durapad!!!



cough up the $4k for a new engine (HECK OF A DEAL BY THE WAY!!!) and dump the cracked block right in front of the door of the dealership you bought the truck from... it'll make you feel a little better, and you won't have to worry about the engine for another 500k or so.



Forrest

 

[lil red cummins]

sorry to hear about your problems dave. this warranty thing is so much crap. i have had "uncovered" warranty problems with almost every vehicle i've owned. i can definately see where you have had your fill with dodge. extended warranties are even worse. think you have it all covered - wrong. seems there is always some exception.

try and reach the DC zone rep. the dealer should be able to get you in touch with that person. you might be able to get some compensation from them if you just keep on them.



if you are really thinking of the "other" brands, make sure you visit their forums for at least a month before you make up your mind. you should familiarize yourself with their shortcomings. that assumes you can live without a truck that long.



good luck no matter which way it goes.



jim

 

[DavidC]

It is in the hands of Chrysler customer service. She wants the case reviewed with the area manager. Her statement that this is just not right being 2 months out of warranty and 53k miles. I could have rented a limo and had champagne and breakfast on the way to work considering a 32k truck that only lasted 53k miles. Figure that cost per mile compared to a taxi. I dug up the window sticker when the truck was purchased Diesel option = 4625. 00. Needless to say some of us do not have 4k to dump into a vehicle that you already paid for once, and not that long ago.



Dave

 

[JL penner]

How long did they make the 53 blocks and how can I tell if I have one. Thanks, you guys have me panicking now.

 

[NScott]

What else can you do with little $$ ?

I tow around 18-20K with my slightly modified(fueling box and 4" exhaust) 99 3500 C&C. I have low miles,around 35000 on my truck, but if it moves it is towing heavy! If mine cracks after warranty ,I can assure you I will fill it with a good dose of LIQUID GLASS (Sodiam Silicate) that anybody can get at the drug store to "fix " the leak. (Be sure to not route it through the radiator while it is in the block because it will plug the rad. up) I will then spray paint the outside of the block with flat or semi flat black paint(which ever matches the best) and promptly sell it or trade it. Cummins SHOULD recall ALL of these blocks and replace them if the owners want them to be replaced!!!!!

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