Well I know its like beating a dead horse but please bare with me. I have been searching everyware yesterday & today. I know there is the the "lock N Stich" fix. My question is who as used this fix & how did it work for you? Or should I just look in to getting a new short block & re building it or get a long block & putting it in? If any of you have any ideas on ware to get a good block or have other options please help me out hear.

TIA!

 

I have used several cast iron crack repair systems [ mostly cracked heads , some flat head blocks ] but haven't used any for the 53 issue .
Just posting to see more info .

 

I just called Lock-N-Stitch & they told me they could fix it with out pulling the motor for around 2k parts & labor But its not a guarinteed fix. They did say they do have a lot of there stuff out there with no problims. & I have been doing a lot of rechearch about that fix & seems to have worked well for most. Going the other way (new/re-man) block & that would run at min 5+k. I talked to cummins and OMG a re-man short block from them is $$$ 4955.00+ 1950.00 core less 600 for the cracked block comes to a grand total of 5555.00

 

I'd start calling the wrecking yards looking for a used one and swap it out.

 

And like everything else [ when it involves big bis ] the end user pays everything , all the time .
Need to figure out how to make them pay ?

 

Even that is a PITA. Call them find some one that has some. Drive out there. Than start craling around under the thig to make sure it isnt a "53" block. Find one buy it spend a good amount of $$$ to swap them & all my performance goodies & than HOPE you got a good one. This just SUCKS!!!

 

Did it just now crack and rear its ugly head, or have you been gradually building up your motor to the point it wouldn't hold it?
Where are you located? I might be able to call in a favor at the Cummins dealer here.

 

well you can see everything I have in my sig. & yes i just noticed the crack & there is no rust or discoleration from dried coolant or anything so ya im sure it just cracked. & please yes call in a favor @ cummins & see what they can do for me. Im in CA. TIA

 

ive got a 53 block too i heard some where if you have under 150k cummins will pay for it i dont know the truth of this but let me know what you end up doing cause ill be in you position at some point

 

I used the lock-n-stitch on a cracked 350 block in my chevelle. Lasted another 6 years 'till I sold the car. The new owner drove it another 3 yers before he sold it (he didn't even now it had been repaired). OK, it wasnt a diesel though.

Before I bought my "53" I called cummins and a bare block was 2k. Seems the internals hold up well so maybe you can get a block and swap the guts.

Either way....sorry dude. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.....

 

could someone post pics where to look and see if the truck is a "53" block, I'm going to look at a '99 and want to know if it's a "53"

 

There is a good write up of it here. There are pictures as well.
http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

 

Start calling various Cummins stores and see what a block is worth. There is a vendor on CompD that goes by Snedge. I have heard he has the best prices on OEM parts, so you might be able to get a good deal on a block. Not sure where he is located, shipping might be costly. Then just re-ring and re-bearing it and put it back in the truck with the old internals.

 

Well first off thanks for the input guys! & please keep any ideas coing.I called cummins & since the truck is over 8 years old they said thay couldnt do anything.

 

What does age have to do with it? It was a faulty product. I saw a post on another board within the last 6 months that reported Cummins paying for the short block and the owner paying for labor which had to be done at the local Cummins. I think it was still 4+ large bills for the owner though. You might want to try going up the corporate ladder. Good luck!