cabtruck

I have a 93 ,engine froze and cracked on the right side. looks like a 53 block but it did freeze I was told the 53 block could not be welded. is there any chance it would take a weld. Hoping the older block had a better cast?

gyman98

One of the best ways to fix a cracked block is lock and stitch

Metal Stitching & Thread Repair Inserts. - Turlock , CA - LOCK-N-STITCH, Inc

MrFusion

I thought the 53 block only came in 99-01 trucks? Was it replaced at some point? If it IS a 53 block here is an article that may help.

Cummins' Fatal Flaws - Diesel Power Magazine

gyman98

I thought so too but I did have a 98 12v with a 53 block

cabtruck

It is not a 53 the crack is just in the same place

1972RedNeck

I have welded two 53 blocks. Both are still holding...

cabtruck

What did you use nickel 55 or 99?

1972RedNeck

99 - it is supposed to have the least shrinkage stress.

cabtruck

I have always used 99 on 14 bolt rearends so I have some of them.when people have them crack again are they cracking in the weld or beside it?

MrFusion

Ahhh... I see. I mis-read your original post. I thought you were saying that the block looked like a 53 block.

I've brazed cast iron with flux coated bronze rod but never on an engine block.

saggonwaggon91

Quite a bit depends on if the engine is out of the truck and torn down. A very good cleaning, v-out the crack, pre heat with rosebud. Then I take 99 arc rod, wire wheel off the flux coating and tig weld the crack then a post heat followed by peening the weld and area around the weld to help reduce stress, then bury it in a pile of floor dry to let cool. I dont know where the 53 blocks like to crack, but if its close to the top of the deck, I would bolt the head back on and torque it down to prevent warpage in the block.
Just my .02...

Jim Lane

If you decide to weld it up,
Be extremely careful of the spray cleaner you are using.
The wrong choice can kill you.

Safety Alert! Brake Cleaner = Phosgene Gas - BREW Bikes LLC

Jim

cabtruck

thanks for the advice I have been welding a long time but haven't thought about phosgene gas

Jim Lane

It is something you really do not know unless someone tells you about it.

I have been working in the mechanical and HVAC industry for years and years so I know all about the dangers of phosgene gas.

https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/phos...sics/facts.asp

Jim

cabtruck

Yea I work at thermo king