Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Where to get new block?

[daveinalaska]

I've got a crack in my block that can't be welded according to cummins. Where do I go to get a new block for a 98. 5 24v vin 1b7mf3362wj232009 ?

Any places to go to look for a used engine?

Any input would be appreciated.

dave

 

[ktimmer]

Try A-1 Chrysler in Tulsa, OK



800-330-5523

 

[damar]

Titanium Putty

Know a guy who broke a rod in his Detroit Diesel Series 60. Cracked the lower block in a 'V' shaped pattern. Detroit Diesel in Oregan said that this is what they use for repairs. This son who used to work for Freightliner got some and used it to repair the block. Been running over-the-road since April with no leaks. Just for fun, they took a small ball of the material and laid it on the the frame of the truck without cleaning the frame. Two days later, the tried to remove the ball, couldn't knock it off with a hammer. Finally had to take a sledge hammer to dislodge it. Might be worth a try, sure cheaper than a new block. Here's a site that sells it. It's made by Devon. I know they sell all over the world.



www.freemansupply.com/TitaniumPuttyGray.htm



Good luck.

 

[Piers]

Is it a 53 block? If so, you should be able to get Dodge to warrenty it, if it's within the warrenty mileage, if it's out of Dodge warrenty, Cummins should give you a new short block. I do have some paper work from Cummins I could email to you, shows where the block cracks, tells about the new improved block being double the thickness in that area... . sometimes it helps get warrenty when they see paper work from Cummins head office.

 

[daveinalaska]

What numbers indicate whether it is a 53 series block or not?

dave

 

[Piers]

Look on the drivers side lower front section, it's cast on the block.

 

[daveinalaska]

I just checked and it is a 53 block. The truck had 120k when I bought it and looks like the previous owner epoxied it. The epoxy gave way recently at 150k and it has been leaking. Where are they prone to cracking. This crack is about a foot long horizontally on the passenger side. Any info on how to deal with cummins on this issue would be much appreciated.

dave

 

[rblomquist]

My question is how do you ensure you don't get another 53 block?



My truck had a new short block put in it about 2. 5-3 years ago. This was before I owned it so I don't know the reason for the new short block but I can say that the one that's in there now is a 53.

 

[AHughes]

Blomquist, Get in touch with Cummins in Ohio, They will help you obtain a new block at least they helped with 1/2 of a complete engine rebuild and installation for my friend. Had the whole thing done at Cummins Northwest and had over 150K on the #53 block. They replaced it with a #56 Block (I don't imagine they replace anything with 53 blocks any longer) His truck now is close to 200K and has never run as good as it does now. Cummins is aware of the 53 problem and will, I'm almost positive, help you with the block problem. His total cost was in the neighborhood of $2300. For a complete engine including installation. They used the old pistons and rods but installed new rings and all the other complementry parts. Go for it!! Central Oregon.

I have a #53 block too and nearly 90k on it and no problems yet. We live in hope??

 

[daveinalaska]

Does anybody have a contact name or phone number for commins in ohio regarding cracked 53 block replacement?

 

[hammersley]

Yes and mine just turned 183,000

and with my mods no problems... ...

 

[rashwor]

I am a member of the 53 club with 177,000+ miles and no problems yet.

 

[rblomquist]

I don't need a new block (yet). I was just wondering here on this thread how to avoid ending up with a 53 cause I know if this one cracks there's no way I'd accept another 53 for a replacement. Like I said mine was already replaced 2. 5 - 3 years ago and it was replaced then with a 53.

 

[JR2]

Dave,

Where in Alaska are you?? I may be able to help you out. I know a guy who thought he needed a block and found one earlier in the week and now is not going to buy it. Its from an 02 truck that had been totaled in a fire. If you PM BatMan01 on here he should be able to hook you up with the info. Tell him JR2 sent you. I will also call him tomorrow and see what else I can find out.



I also saw at least two engines in the ADN classifieds this past weekend. I also know that I have seen at least 3 cummis trucks wrecked in the last month so maybe try the wrecking yards in and around Anchorage. If all else fails, maybe Piers (he was posting above) can find you one, but be sure to have him hot rod it for you before you get it. :-laf



By the way, did you know we have a Diesel club in Anchorage?? PM me for more details.

 

[daveinalaska]

I want to say thanks to everyone with their help. Especially Robert from tdr. I just received a new 55 short block from columbus free of charge. I just had the auto transmission upgraded and tq replaced with a heavy suncoast. I tow 5-10k with it. What do recommend for upgrades and smart things to do with the engine out.

thanks again

dave

 

[JR2]

upgrades and smart things to do with the engine out.

I don't think those two words go with each other :-laf





Now how much $$ do you want to spend and how much more power do you want??



I can think of quite a bit of stuff I would do if I had my engine sitting out of the truck. A cam, port and polish the head, o-ring the head, ceramic coat the pistons and maybe marine pistons. . Now there is $3500 minimum out of the bank. Give us some idea of what HP you want and I or someone else can help you with the details.

 

[ProspectorTim]

I want to say thanks to everyone with their help. Especially Robert from tdr. I just received a new 55 short block from columbus free of charge. ...

GREAT!!! Oo.

To know that you CAN still get a free replacement on a truck older than mine gives me some peace of mind. I guess I should get to know the folks at Cummins in Memphis *before* I need a block.



1999, 53 block, 122,000 miles. .

 

[AHughes]

Dave, Who is Robert from TDR? I might need his help if my #53 Block goes south. Glad you got a new engine. Cummins told me they would help out if you have a problem with any #53 block regardless of milage or age. Do you think GM or Furd would do that? Or even Dodge. Thanks Cummins that's why we love these engines.

A Hughes Central Oregon. #53 block. Van Aaken, EDM injectors, Valve body,converter upgrade, roadmaster suspension, DSS, Gages, 2 fuel pumps, AFE,

 

[daveinalaska]

I'll give Robert a call to get his input before he gets inundated with 53 owners calling. I do know it pays to be a current tdr member. I'll be writing more this evening.

I'll be researching past articles today but am still looking for things to upgrade on the engine before putting it all together and sticking it in the truck. the dowel pin is one item that comes to mind. What's needed to o ring the head? What else? Help please.

dave