I have a late build 97 with the 53 block. I was under my truck looking at the exhaust and I saw a few drops of water. but could not find where it was coming from. so I poped the hood and saw that my overflow bottle was empty. I went and got my spotlight so I could see better and sure enough my block is craked at the water jacket at the curve in the block under the freeze plugs on the passenger side. have any of you got first hand experience with lock-n-stitch block repair on one of these trucks? I shot them an email to see what there repair kit for it will cost.

 

Don't waste your time and money on lock n stitch it will just keep on cracking down the block

 

I didn't think any 12 valves were subject to this? what years can have this happen?

 

Yes some 12 valves have the 53 block. Some of the late build 97's and most of the 98 12 valves have the 53 block. I am not aware of any 96 or earlier engines with the 53 block.

 

most of my friends have a 53 block then, is there anything that we can do to prolong the life? Wrap the block in a old inner tube to reduce NVH??

 

Warm up the engine good before pulling heavy loads. Lock n stitck also sells a reinforcing bracket that goes in one of the freeze plug holes on the passenger side . It is supposed to give that side of the engine more strength but it is way over priced. My understanding is that not all 53 blocks will crack, only the ones that the core moved out of place when the block was poured. The block will have a big 53 on the side near the front lower part of the block, I can't remember if it is on one side or on both sides of the block but you can't mis it the cast numbers are about 1 1/2 inches tall.

 

OK, I refreshed my memory on the 53 block casting locations. It could be on the drivers side just above the oil pan near the front of the engine directly below the injection pump. The other place to look is on the passengers side just in front of the oil drain line from the turbo and close to the oil pan. It will be about an inch high # 53.