Attention: TDR Forum Junkies The TDR has been a great resource, don't get me wrong. But it also can make you into a Dodge hypochondriac! First there was the 5th gear falling off. Then I came across the lift pump worries followed by the VP44 insomnia. Now I have to worry about the series 53 block cracks.
But someone posted a conversation on the 53 cracks they had with Cummins indicating 5000 cracks out of 300,000 units. That's less than 2% (1. 66 to be exact). Then you gotta ask how many of these 5000 were bombed and to what extent?
Not pleasant for those with the failures mentioned, but is the rate of failure that great that we need to become worry warts or are these failure rates well within the norm of the automotive world in general? Is too much information a bad thing?
Just wondering!!
But someone posted a conversation on the 53 cracks they had with Cummins indicating 5000 cracks out of 300,000 units. That's less than 2% (1. 66 to be exact). Then you gotta ask how many of these 5000 were bombed and to what extent?
Not pleasant for those with the failures mentioned, but is the rate of failure that great that we need to become worry warts or are these failure rates well within the norm of the automotive world in general? Is too much information a bad thing?
Just wondering!!
As for the VP44 it has also been a non issue for almost 7 years, I keep it supplied with good clean fuel and it's worked great for me. A little over 6 of those years have been with the wire tapped with some for of fueling box. As for the 53 Block it to is a non issue. With over 100k on the odo I just drive it with no worries at all about that 53 on the side. 
