Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Looking for the user that had over 100,000 miles with cracked block

[Steve St.Laurent]

Looking for user that had over 100,000 miles with cracked block

Someone posted last week that they had a cracked #53 block and was over 100,000 miles. It looks like that post was lost in the server crash. If you read this email me at -- email address removed -- .

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

TTT

 

[jtisdale]

*bump

 

[DCMille290]

Hey Steve,

I don't know if you are looking for me or not, but I was the one that had 103K miles and found a hairline crack on the lower right side of my block, almost in back of the heat exchanger for the transmission.

Cummins did follow through along with Dodge in replacing the block under warranty.



Email me at -- email address removed -- if you need any other info.



If you are not looking for me, never mind.



Update to all.

I just picked up my truck after the entire rear end was replaced by Earnhardts' Dodge in Phoenix. Hooked up my trailer and I am rolling again on my way to Austin, TX.

Everything seems fine, no noise of any kind, running cooler than before and the next item will be to switch over to synthetic.

Shop gets a vote of good work from me, everyone from SM to head tech were super. I would highly recommend them for service. NOT RELATED TO OR PAID BY ANYONE FOR ANYTHING.



DC Miller

Marbleman

 

[Puffin Smoke]

I dont believe that you didnt pay them! Dodge Stealers dont work with us. Just kidding. :-laf :-laf :-laf



Glad you got you truck fixed.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

It may have been you DC Miller. Were you the guy that was talking to your dad or a friend or something and was going to try some form of internal repair?

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

no it was someone who had about 118k on their truck. they talked about drilling each end of the crack and grinding it out and putting some epoxy in. Everyone here said they should try and fight it with DC ie expose known problems with this casting. I am interested to see how this turns out weather or not they have any luck with DC or if the epoxy fix works.

 

[Mopar-muscle]

cummins cowboy is correct , i remeber it , don't remember who

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

That's the guy I'm looking for - I may be able to help with you getting it fixed right. If you're out there email me.

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

I think the person you are looking for might have been Cade.



Dan

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Found him, he emailed me yesterday - thanks.

 

[DEZLPWR]

Hey Steve...

Can you post your proposed fix for the cracked blocks? I am very curious. I have a '99 that so far, is holding up ok... .

 

[rashwor]

Steve...

Do you think Cummins may work with those of us with over 100,000 on the truck when it happens? If nothing else, maybe a discount on a new block if it should happen?



My fingers and toes are crossed that it won't.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I don't have a proposed fix but in my experience in the past some companies will make adjustments to the warranty for a known issue after the warranty period . . . . . . I've also found it helps to be respectful and humble when asking for it too.

 

[rashwor]

Steve...

Absolutely!! You can't expect a company to "help" you if you get rude with them.



So far, I have no problems with mine.

 

[imp]

cracked block

Mine cracked at about 90,000 miles there was antifreez smell but it could not be found untill 106,000 miles. The factory replaced the block at

N/C BUT I had to pay $ 1219. 29 labor and parts Alex

 

[24VChev]

Crack Fix

I have seen expensive V16 blocks crack or get a hole punched in it. We have a company that comes in a stitches the block back together. He drills several small holes and stakes a piece of metal in the hole, then he drills right beside the stake and puts another piece of metal in it. It can take about 100 to fix a 12" crack. I have even seen this guy repair a block after a rod went through the side. All this was done in the mine truck. He claims that is just as strong, if not stronger than it was before. I have not seen any of his repairs fail. Maybe this can be done to the water jacket area of the 53 if it fails.