Just seeing if anyone has done a weld repair to a Cummins block before? Have a friend looking at one with a 53 block cracked below the manifold.

 

More details please. How many miles, how large of a crack? Any pics?
Some have done the lock-n-stitch method, some swap the entire block, some have used JB weld (lol).
A search on here will provide ya way more than a nights reading.

 

Nor ro sure how big 5he crack is. It is located below the manifold on the coolant jacket. What is this lock and stich you had mentioned?

 

He said about 2-3"s.

 

12 valves crack too? Thought it was just 1998-1999 24v

 

I have only heard of this defect in the 24 valves. I thought it ran until 2001? But I am not entirely sure.

 

The only 100 percent reliable fix I have heard of is replacement.

Even had a couple of guys over the years report lock-n-stich failed again after a couple of years.

 

It is very very rare to find a 53 block in a 2001 truck (my 2001 is a 55 block).

The bulk of the 53 blocks were 98-00. There were some very late 97's and early 98 12 valve engines with them.

 

Hmm guess I better have a look at mine.

 

From what I've read, welding cast iron fails over time,if it even works at all.

Lock and stitching is a cold process that doesn't affect the surrounding cast metal. Here is one way of doing it.

 

It's also worth noting the 53 block was not a problem limited to just Dodge Rams. Some of the bad blocks also ended up in RV's, school buses, generators, and other applications. To my knowledge tractors did not get these blocks, mostly because the block is beefed up significantly (structural block) since the block forms part of the tractor frame.

 

my 98 12 valve has a 53 , don't jinks me with this thread !!!!!!!!!!!!!!