Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) I just fixed my cracked block

[dieselworld]

I just finished my 53 series cracked block repair! Crack is fixed and 100% leak free. I used the Lock-n-stitch method. It took me a couple of days and I made a few blunders, but all is well.



If you got a cracked block and need it repaired, drop me a line.

Yes I did this without having to pull the engine. That is why my neck is so sore from being underneth the truck. :-laf



Cheers

 

[The patriot]

Good luck with the fix.

FWIW, what's the "lock-n-stitch" method?

My 1998 12 valve is a 52, but I dont think it's the variation that cracks, least I hope not. :-laf

Eric

 

[DTroy]

It's a mechanical means of preventing further separation. It has a number of

advantages over welding.

It's more common in big industry. Creating a durable weld with cast iron can be tricky.

 

[VicR]

Hey good news - keep us posted on the long term results.



-Vic

 

[brianMo]

Hey... mine is still holding to date. Was repaired the 2nd week of April. Good luck. It sounds like you did it yourself. Did you use the smallest castmaster pin? I would be interested in what you used. I have spoke to Ken Scobel at Cummins about this procedure. He was not that familiar with it. Maybe... just maybe this is the answer to the million dollar question... Can these really be fix?



Brian

 

[brianMo]

I want to correct my repair date. It was the 2nd week of February.

Brian

 

[RustyJC]

You might want to try a Google search on "metal stitching". This casting repair technique has been used on large industrial engines for many decades.



Rusty

 

[Graphic man]

Good Work !!!!

keep us updated!!

 

[fortunate1]

How much...

How much does the Lock N Stitch repair cost? For a crack about 8" to 12" in length? If you do it yourself (materials only)? If you use a "dealer" or "distributor" of the L N S products?



The 2 things that any permanent repair needs to address are: (a) stabilizing the crack, preventing any further movement and (b) sealing so that coolant stays inside the block.

 

[dieselworld]

I think the kit was about $285, but I broke a tap off in the block. I had to buy some more taps and a tap extractor for $185 including FedEx shipping. A real small price to pay for fixing the prob. I spent about15 hours total on the repair. I was lying on my back and having to reach up into the engine compartment. Very stressful position to be in and I am very sore still, especially my neck and back.

 

[brianMo]

This would have been much easier if you had access to a lift. My repair (done by a machinist) took about 10 hours with a lift. He charged me $692. 00. Not bad considering he did the work. So far I am fine.



I did coolant maintenance shortly after he did the repair. I have noticed that my reservoir has been low a couple of times since. I have fearfully have crawled back under to take a look to be sure it is holding. It is dry. Is it possible that the system burps air and draws some from the reservoir? Since it has not been to long since I did maintenance. I did some 4-wheeling over the weekend to get access to a killer fishing spot. Came home and notice my reservoir was down again. Any thought to this?

 

[rweis]

When I changed my coolant I found it takes about 1 week of daily driving to get all the air out and the coolant reservoir stable in volume level.



Bob Weis

 

[furyous]

Hi... I had never heard of a cummins having a cracked (they call it "porus" ). My truck is a '99, 24 valve engine, that had about 87000 miles on it when I noticed the fluid level was dropping. The crack is on the right side located right where the block curves up and out, behind the oil heater. It runs length wise. I had never heard of this repair. Would like to have more info..... I had been trying to work with dodge on getting a repair, but cost makes it prohibitive.



Paul Schmalz

 

[furyous]

Fixed my cracked block....I think....

I just had my 53 block repaired by "Lock 'n Stitch" in Turlock Calif. It took about 6hrs and no leaks in the 100 mile drive home. I talked to the machinist and he said that he had done several, but this was the first auto trans. He said they were usually one tons with standard trans. He felt that the cracks were being caused by the torque on the blocks caused by starting with heavy loads. Said that the way the engine and trans were mounted contributed to the problem.



In reading some of the comments from those with cracked 53, I noted that most have performance enhancements. I have a chip but also an ATS triple disc lock up clutch torque converter. It has a much lower stall, and really hooks up. When the converter locks up, it is immediate with very little slippage. I think that this puts a lot of torque on the block under load.



Lock 'n stitch does mostly heavy commercial equipment. They manufacture the products they use and sell them to machine shops. You can do a search on metal stitching or lock n stitch to find their web site. They claim the repair is permanent. I guess I'll find out.



Paul

 

[furyous]

So, is the block you fixed with Lock 'n Stitch still holding... . Paul

 

[Regcabguy]

53 block failure

I just had my 53 block repaired by "Lock 'n Stitch" in Turlock Calif. It took about 6hrs and no leaks in the 100 mile drive home. I talked to the machinist and he said that he had done several, but this was the first auto trans. He said they were usually one tons with standard trans. He felt that the cracks were being caused by the torque on the blocks caused by starting with heavy loads. Said that the way the engine and trans were mounted contributed to the problem.



In reading some of the comments from those with cracked 53, I noted that most have performance enhancements. I have a chip but also an ATS triple disc lock up clutch torque converter. It has a much lower stall, and really hooks up. When the converter locks up, it is immediate with very little slippage. I think that this puts a lot of torque on the block under load.



Lock 'n stitch does mostly heavy commercial equipment. They manufacture the products they use and sell them to machine shops. You can do a search on metal stitching or lock n stitch to find their web site. They claim the repair is permanent. I guess I'll find out.



Paul

Mine leaked at 18,000 miles w/no enhancements. One day after getting the truck back the L. P. failed. Lucky me they replaced the block w/another 53. So far w/enhancements no problems. Enhancements rule!

 

[Cliffman]

I also have the dreaded 53 block crack. :{ Can anybody tell me how many miles they put on there truck after they found the crack and if the crack got any worse?

 

[DLBurns]

Hey Cliffman... . get that dude lock & stitched... sounds like the ticket to me.

Turlock is just a hop and a skip over the hill for us.

 

[Cliffman]

I hear that Dave. Actually, I'm thinking of doing it my self. Waiting for some reply's to questions. We'll have to pull the twins but better that than the engine. I can't believe it cracked at 178,000 miles. We did the rebuild at 145,000 and considered swapping it out but thought that if it hadn’t cracked by then it wouldn’t crack at all. WRONG AGAIN!

 

[hammersley]

Mine has 227,000

and no cracks.....