Archived cracked block

[Cougar]

I just found out I have 4" crack on right side of block. Has this happen to anyone out there? 99 3500 ram Thanks Cougar

 

[thejeepdude]

Yes, you have a 53 block. There are quite a few threads about that. Most people opt for a complete new block and rebuild, although a few have JB Welded it and claimed success. There's also a few who have had it "stitched". I opted to sell my 53 before it cracked... although most likely it never will.

 

[Cougar]

Thanks jeepdude I think I will try the JB Weld. Cougar

 

[MidwestMotorman]

What kind of miles on your truck? You are warranteed up to 100k miles/7 years. Some people have had luck getting theirs warrantied 15k or so beyond the original 100k. You can do a search under the "search forums" link at the top of the screen for more info or other remedies.

 

[Cougar]

I have 113000 on it. Thanks Cougar

 

[Bob Wagner]

Originally posted by Cougar

I have 113000 on it. Thanks Cougar

Cummins/Dodge should work with you on this issue. Its been done in the past. Kinda like a prorata deal.



take it in

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

The engine warranty is 5 year / 100,000 miles, if you have a good relationship with your dealer maybe they will help you with the mileage being over. If they flatout say "no" I would try to be really friendly with a local Cummins shop. The "53" blocks are a known problem, I suggest searching on here for info and then go to the dealer with your new found information.

 

[rashwor]

Keep us posted on how you come out and what you do as a remedy. I am a member of the "53" club as well. So far, no crack with 164,800+ miles.

 

[fj40dave]

Hi Cougar...

I have a '01 without the "53" block..... but worrying about it made me do a lot of the searching the threads about it..... several folks have reported having the dealer & Cummins split the cost of replacement with them..... I would try that route first - maybe even copy some of this info and see what gives.....



Dave

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Send a PM to Steve St. Laurent as he had helped others in the past with this same problem as you regarding warranty. He is a moderator here of several different forums. You can click on his name in the general discussion main page and get to him. Others have been warranteed and you should be at least partly compensated.



Best of Luck!

 

[Cougar]

Iam waiting to see if the dealer can help me, I will let everyone know what they say. cougar

 

[Cougar]

New ifo in your warranty information book it say on page 12 paragraph 2. 6 WHEN IT BEGINS If your truck isequipped with a Cummins Diesel Engine,the Cummins Diesel Engine Limited Warranty begins at the end of the 3/36 Basic Warranty period, and covers the cost of repairing those parts of your truck engine listed that are defective in materials,workmanship, or factory preparation. So I thank I should be covered. Cougar

 

[Thomas]

A search using "paragraph 2. 6" will yield several other threads mentioning the wording that you found in your Warranty Information Book. One of the threads goes into detail regarding D/C's & Cummins' reaction to a failed engine with over 100,000 miles on the clock. I have yet to see anyone report that they were able to get D/C to honor the warrantee as it is written in the Warranty Information Book. Keep us posted.



Good luck!

 

[Cougar]

Talked to the dealer today, he said no to warranty. So Iam going to see a attorney. Cougar

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Contact Steve. If you search the forum archives on this topic "cracked block", you will find others in your same boat that have had good outcomes. You could also contact them for some direction.

 

[AHughes]

Cougar, Contact Cummins in Ohio. They just split the cost of my friends #53 block and installed a new 56 block for him. He had 160K miles on his and it was a '99. They are aware of the problem and I believe his total cost was around $2300 installed. Talk to Mr. Mike Kell Or Mr. Bill Ellison at (812) 377-3531 They indicated to me being a long time Cummins customer they would stand behind the engine regardless of mileage. Hope they can help you.

 

[Cougar]

Thanks AHughes I'll call them. Cougar

 

[Cougar]

Hey good news I talked to Robert Patton, he got me hooked up with Cummins. Truck goes in the 26th for new block. It costing me 1700-1900,not to bad. Thank you Robert you are a life saver!! Cougar

 

[Bob Wagner]

good deal

 

[LHartman]

Oustanding Cougar! Way to help him out Robert.