I posted earlier this week on a truck on ebay that was won by my nephew (99 2500) Well we went out to Bel Air Maryland to pick it up,and it has a cracked and black silicon patched 53 block. We are able to see it however the dealer selling it can't seem to see it. I'm sure this truck will resurface somewhere so buyer beware! the item #is 180064330318 Its a very clean truck and I'd hate to see one of us (DTR)GET STUCK WITH IT! Moderators feel free to put this post where it will do the most good!!!Here's the vin 1B7KF2360XJ525048

 

Well its relisted!Look out! Item number: 180068271940

 

Good thing you know about the 53 block. it will suck for someone who doesnt know.. did dodge or cummins ever do anything about that problem as far as a warranty?

 

was looking at this truck earlier today, sorry to hear about your bad luck, jr

 

I used to have some respect for that company. I almost bought a coupleof trucks from them. Looks like they are just another Ebay scammer. I hope you gave them terrible feedback and let all other purchasers know what kind of product they sell.
Congrats on not bying the truck.

 

Someone who has a subscription to use CARFAX can add the comments about the cracked block to the VIN number.

 

Thats what a freind of mine said,but I'm not a subscriber and don't know anyone who is.

 

I was a subscriber, but my account ended. I tried to help.
Is it worht $30 to you to put this truck on the hot sheet and save someone else from getting a turd?????

 

Ok. First of all a cracked block is a turd. You would not want to buy one like this unless you were getting a huge discount. But they can be repaired with special techniques and welding, and will continue to run just as well as any of the other blocks.

But not to prove points. I am replying to get an answer myself.

My truck has a 53 block But I don't think it is cracked. YET!

I'm not sure where I read the statement, but somewhere I read that 8 to 1 engines between 99-01 has a 53 model block. How many of these blocks are experiencing problems? If the majority of these blocks are cracking I would think that Cummins would have to fess up because all the 99-01 trucks would have died.

I'm wondering if the majority of the blocks are surviving?

 

You are correct,it can be repaired,however black silicon is not a preferd mythod,and knowing of the problem and sticking some unknowing person with it, for top dollar is crap.Heres a link that should answer most all your questions http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

 

Here is a copy of an email that I sent to Cummins Customer Assistance Center and theie reply. It is a little long,but this is their take on it.

Summary: Cummins position on Blocks cast with "53" identifier

Solution:
Thanks for your Email message.

Relatively few of the blocks have cracked. If they fail during a Cummis warranty we replace the block at our cost.

Cummins designs and supplies the Cummins 6B5.9 and ISB 24-Valve turbo diesel engines to DaimlerChrysler, however, DaimlerChrysler warrants the diesel engine and truck completely, as a package unit. Cummins, Inc. and authorized Service Providers cannot provide warranty coverage on Dodge Ram trucks powered with Cummins diesel engines, since all warranties are handled by the Dodge dealers.

For assistance with Dodge Ram truck issues, Dodge requires a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for vehicle identification (i.e., model, year, build plant, etc.). Always have your VIN number available when requesting assistance with your Dodge vehicle.

When bringing a Dodge truck to a Dodge dealer for warranty service, you may also wish to verify that the service department is availing themselves of the diesel technician troubleshooting assistance that is available to Dodge dealers by way of their S.T.A.R. Hotline. Dodge dealers may call the DaimlerChrysler Hotline for technical assistance.

Prior to 2004 model year, Dodge warranty on the engine was 5 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The warranty coverage for the Cummins Turbo Diesel in the 2004 model year Dodge Ram is 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is handled by Dodge dealers, not Cummins. See your local Dodge dealer or www.dodge.com <http://www.dodge.com> for further details regarding this warranty coverage.

Customers should call Dodge Customer Service Hotline (800-992-1997) for assistance.

We thank you for your interest in Cummins products. Please let us know if you need assistance in locating the nearest Cummins-authorized Dealer or Distributor Service Provider. For assistance in locating a Service Provider, feel free to use Cummins Service Locator, which can be found on Cummins website:

http://wsl.cummins.com/ServiceLocato...n=showworldmap

Please let us know if you have other questions and if away from your computer or have a time-critical request that needs more urgent attention, feel free to call us toll-free (from North America) at 1-800-DIESELS (343-7357). Customers may also call Cummins switchboard 1-812-377-5000 (worldwide toll call) and ask for the 800-DIESELS Call Center for assistance.

Cummins Email (via webpage):

http://www.cummins.com/cmi/content.j...33&menuIndex=7


Customer Assistance Center
Cummins, Inc.
Columbus, Indiana, USA
================================================== =======================


Details:
Sirs,

Could you please relay to me any information that you may have on Cummins position on the early Cummins ISB engines that were cast with the "53" block. I am mostly concerned about how many are out there and how many failures have actually been reported.
All I hear are the horror stories and I am interested in true numbers and facts.
Do all the "53" block engines fail and crack, or is there a limited number or VIN range that was produced and have these been remedied?
I am currently looking to purchase a used Dodge Cummins vehicle and would like this info to better inform myself before the purchase.

Also, what kind of warranty would Cummins provide on this engine if it were to fail?

Thank you for your time,

John
Future Cummins Owner

 

Agreed. Knowing that you have a problem that serious, and pushing it off on someone else for full price is crap.

He/she probably could have it fixed for not too big of a price, then sell it. Then I wouldn't blame for not saying to much about it. Chances are the buyer wouldn't have a problem with the truck, and to elaberate on it would scare them from it, and he/she would never be able to sell what would be more than likely a great truck.

Bottom line is that the seller should have fixed the problem the right way and put the repair information in a Car Fax.

 

I emailed the guy and he swears he took it to a diesel shop and the block is not cracked.

 

I know where his lot is. Maybe I can sneak in at night and snap a few spy photos.......

 

Mission Impossible!

OMG! That would be rich! Do it and I'll e-mail it back to him!