Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Thank you Rd.Runnr Cracked 53

[DavidC]

Thank you jim for the help with the 53 block. Cummins is going to replace. Chrysler turned the other cheek because the warranty had expired 2 months before the block cracked and they considered a 99 with 53k on the odometer was not worth the trouble. The dealer wanted part of the action though. They wanted to repair the block for 1k less than Cummins initial estimate. The area manager for Chrysler was worthless and supposedly was the final decision maker for Chryslers role in this. Needless to say that dealer will not see my business again. It is people like you that make belonging to the TDR worth every penny.



Dave

 

[klaybus]

53

Dave,

Thats GREAT news! Glad to hear Cummins stepped up like they should have! Best of luck..... Not that you'll need it though with a new non 53!



Clay

 

[BKenny]

Its good to here storys like this if i have to take mine in to a Dealer$$$ i will defenitly put it on TDR . With all this good info less poeple will get worked over at the dealer

 

[Rd.Runnr]

Good News

David, glad you got help. The fact is that my situation was just like yours--a fellow TDR member helped me to contact the right person.

Your story is another instance of a ruthless dealer/factory rep. holding hands. I went through the same thing with transmission problems--DTT fixed that!! Oo.

 

[Dieselram]

how can i tell if i have the 53 block? what years?

 

[DavidC]

how can i tell if i have the 53 block? what years?

You are probably ok with yours. Crawl under the drivers front and check the block mine is just above the oil pan on the drivers side front. There is a 53 cast in the block with raised numbers.



When talking with Cummins they said 2 foundry's were casting this block. One read the prints right and the other did not. So not all 53 blocks will have the cracking. They just do not know which vehicles have the block from the foundry that screwed up, and Chrysler just stepped out of the picture.



Dave

 

[SRakers]

I have a 99 with a cracked block. I have never abused this truck in any way. I have been reading about the casting defects. I approached dodge customer asst. and they said it was cummins problem and they are really dragging their feet on this issue. Can anyone lead me in the right direction to resolve this problem? I would greatly appreciate it

Scott

 

[klaybus]

PM DavidC, the fellow who started this post. He sure did something right!



Clay

 

[DavidC]

I have a 99 with a cracked block. I have never abused this truck in any way. I have been reading about the casting defects. I approached dodge customer asst. and they said it was cummins problem and they are really dragging their feet on this issue. Can anyone lead me in the right direction to resolve this problem? I would greatly appreciate it

Scott

Scott

You have a PM. Good luck



Dave

 

[enes]

Where does the block crack? and what are the symptoms?



-E

 

[DavidC]

Where does the block crack? and what are the symptoms?



-E

Behind the Heat Exchanger on the passenger side (Cummins refers to it as oil cooler). The auto trans lines run thru this unit. Symptoms = anti freeze loss.



Dave

 

[enes]

so basicly if there is no antifreeze on the ground you are fine. .



-E

 

[DavidC]

Mine started with the smell of hot anti-freeze. 2 Days later the drips started. Starts out more like seepage thru the block and can be noticed with stains running down the block from behind the exchanger with no visible signs of where it is coming from.



Dave

 

[DYOUNG9]

cracked block - type 53

2000 Winnebago Journey, 71K, 6 wks left on 5 year warranty. Cummins provided new block, Rush Peterbuilt in Buda, Tx replaced. took 3 weeks, but beautiful job... maybe too good!... Allison Trans. failed after 2k miles. sigh.