Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Please read

[cmills]

They found the problem with my truck and it was that the rings on #6 were stuck probably from worn valve guides. Here's the question, they are going to remove the engine and basically rebuild it, new bearing and rings, they have already put on a new injector pump and injectors, the thing is, I have a 53 block should I just have them use the same block again or should I find a different one. The truck has 191,000 miles on it now.



thanks, Cory

 

[Pmaloney]

I would say if you havent had any problems yet you will probably be ok. I also have a 53 block with 81,000 miles. Good luck

 

[cmills]

thanks for the reply Patrick, anybody else have any comments, the thing is that its going to cost over $5,000 already without even replacing the block and I can't really afford the $5,000 but I don't want to do all this and then 6 months down the road the block cracks and then I have another big expense. I kind of agree with you, in that if it was going to crack it would have cracked by now. Any more suggestions would be appreciated

 

[Wiredawg]

I would use the block.

I would use the block; it has already held up. You getting rebuilt at a Cummins shop or dealer? I would opt for Cummins to do it or at least a good diesel shop.



Wiredawg

 

[cmills]

Scheid Diesel is going to rebuild it, so there should not be a problem with it getting done right, they have always done a good job on my truck and they do a lot of work on these trucks(and I mean a lot). so there is no question they know what they are doing.

 

[Sticks]

I would look into getting a different block. Chances are good that you will be OK, but with the engine being re-built, it will run stronger than it was, and the extra stress may find that fatal 53 flaw.

 

[djacy99]

Get a new block Mine had 226,000 when it cracked. I met a couple other people with close to the same mileage and theirs cracked. I would want the piece of mind anyway. Good Luck.

 

[cmills]

Boy, you guys are scaring me, I always heard that they usually cracked before 100,000 miles. I have a few days to decide, but money is a big factor, but if I don't change blocks then it cracks later, its going to be even more expensive because they will have to pull the engine out again where as this time they will aready have it out and apart.



One more question. I assume there is no chance of getting another 53 block, right, and are all the other blocks the thicker(stronger) ones.



Thanks, I would greatly appreciate some more opinions.



Cory

 

[Ram666]

i did not find the crack in mine untill it was over 80,000 miles. dealer installed a 56 short block under warranty, cost was just over $10,500 Canadian

 

[cmills]

Are all the new blocks 56's, Because I assume they don't have the 53's anymore and I read that the 54's had a few problems too?