Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Followup on block cracking issue

[Vaman]

I've exchanged e-mail with Cummins several times trying to get a response regarding the "53" series blocks. They have REFUSED to comment on paper (or e-mail in this case). They said they'd give me an answer via phone but they will not put anything in writing. I'm like... what the ???? I tried calling them once and "the" person I was supposed to talk to wasn't there.

 

[The patriot]

I wish you luck, but I dont think you'll get anything from them. The engines are sold to Dodge, as is, and it's up to DC to warranty them. Because this is an obvious manufacturers defect, I personally dont feel this is the way it should be.



BTW, I have one of the last 12 valvers, and I'm a little concerned that I have one of these blocks. Where is the number "53" cast on the engine?

Eric

 

[Vaman]

I've heard it's on both sides of the block... I've only seen it on my driver's side. Seeing it on one side was plenty. I believe the 12vers have a slightly different block though. Anyone?

 

[The patriot]

Thanks I gotta go check it out.

Good luck.

Eric

 

[A. Brown]

even though I wish cummins would be more helpful on this issue, I still think this problem for the most part is very isolated in ram applications. My feeling is I'll run the truck like I always do and when the day comes that I need a rebulid I'll short block and make sure it's not a 53.

 

[John]

That sounds like very optimistic advice A. Brown. However, most of us purchased the Dodge Ram with the Cummins engine because it had the reputation of being almost indestructable, lasting far beyond what most would consider a long life. Things like the "53" block and the lousy fuel supply system (i. e. , lift pump and to a lesser degree, the VP44 injection pump) do not go far to instill bulletproof longevity.

 

[A. Brown]

Ok John, go ahead and pace the floor at night if you want, but your more likely to break down with the transfer pump you mentioned than the 53 being a problem. I'm just not going to worry about it.

 

[P Madrid]

The crack block issue in our area was mostly found on rear mounted engine applications, RVs, one or two freight trucks but no Dodge. Not familiar with the 53 code because we were given a build date range and assembly plant. The crack develops on the left side (exh), center, below the freeze plugs.

 

[The patriot]

Pablo, what are the build dates and assembly plants?

TIA

Eric

 

[A. Brown]

great to have your expertise on board Pablo, nothing like talking to someone who works on these things for a living.

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

Madrid I believe the casting for the Brazillian blocks are the one failing. It is half as thick in this location as the Mexican blocks.

 

[MikeR]

Oh noooo! 3 or 4 Dodge's develope cracked blocks and now they're all problematic junk! Heaven forbid!



Out of about 1/2 a million engines made it's not a bad failure rate.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Out of about 1/2 a million engines made it's not a bad failure rate. "



HMMMmm - pity some aren't as generous concerning lift-pump problems in the 24 valve engines - yeah, the numbers are higher, but the overall percentages are undoubtedly rather miniscule relative to the bigger picture...

 

[P Madrid]

I will look through my file to ck on those dates. The block casting was thinner in that area, as mention by Big Daddy T, and the cracks develop after rapid change of tempeture, that is one of the reasons we saw it more on RVs. The newer blocks not only are thicker but they have remove most of the sharp edges by rounding them off. Pablo

 

[BK]

Pablo, do you have a window of dates for the blocks. . is there a code for where they were manufactured... seems location mattered too?

thanks

Bob

 

[Pit Bull]

This is confusing, mine does not have a 53 but it is a 2000 that was built in Nov. of 99. (St. Louis). So I figure I am in the same boat that everyone with a 53 is in. If anyone can prove me wrong I would be real happy