Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) cracked block

[streetglide]

hi guys i have a friend who bought a 99 ctd that has a cracked block i was wondering if anybody has tried to weld that area and put a brace on it i have checked out lock n stitch but he wants to buy a different motor later and not spend the money on lock n stitch so my question is will welding be a ok fix or has anybody tried with good results thanks a bunch

 

[firefighter_2000]

Blocks

I've seen 5. 9 blocks on ebay quite regularly for 3-500 bucks. Would probably be safer and more reliable in the long run. Never have to worry or think... . is the crack gonna let go??

Craig

 

[streetglide]

Ya if it was my truck that's what I would do he just wanted a quick fix till he can get a motor or a block

 

[HCannon]

A large can of black pepper should do you a temperary fix. I have a MF tractor( a V-8 Cummins) that was leaking water into the oil. I was told to put a couple cans into It and run it. It has been three years now and still running strong. It was something like that or a 3 or 4 thousand overhaul for me. It wont cost too much to try it.

 

[jgillott]

The short answer is yes... . everthing from lock 'n stitch, to plating, to JB Weld, etc. has been tried over the years since we first started seeing the 53 block cracking issue. Some attempts have failed miserably and others have bought the owners a few weeks or months of service. But, in the end, the only true fix is to replace that cracked block. Do a forum search on "Cracked Block" or "53 Block" to read up on some of the things that have been tried.



As was mentioned in a previous post, I would personally just source a good replacement block for the truck and get to work on it. It is time consuming, but worthwhile in the end just to fix it right the first time.