Hello
Doing this for Boyfriend.

He has a 53 cracked block, how long will he be able to drive the truck if he drives it gently? Has never been hard on the truck. Is adding quite a bit of coolant.

Thank You
B

 

There are a few threads on this, and different opinions as far as I can tell, But if it was me and you are outta warrentee (threads on this as well). I'd try welding it as you got nothing to loose anyway (I'm sure this will start a war). Ive seen a friend weld up 4 cracks 6-8 inches long in a 350 Chev. It was a Stock car engine that was left with water in the block, as stock car engines are not allowed coolant , only water, any way the thing froze, I would have wrote it off, but all he did was weld it up with a 6011 welding rod (never preheated the block) the ran that engine for 3 yrs of racing and one year won the points Championship. That engine never leaked a drop and was abused every weekend for 3yrs, 5500RPM was the normal running RPM for a race car.
Seeing as the crack is external, I would think you have nothing to loose (but coolant) the coolant system only sees approx 15psi, so it would not take much to hold it, but it could crack again I assume because of stresses.
As for how long can you drive it, as long as you want as long as you dont over heat it and keep the coolant level up
Just my 2 cents
BTW I have not owned a cracked block, but I do have a 53 engine, and should it crack, you can guess what I'm gonna do.

 

i have never heard of successfully welding cast iron with 6011
( i am a retired welder)

 

I am also a welder with a 53 cracked block. Do not weld it. If you were very lucky you might repair it but 99 percent sure you will increase the damage.

Instead there is a reliable repair for the block that you can do yourself if you are a bit mechanically inclined.

I just bought the kit along with the freeze plug reinforcing bracket from LocknStitch.

http://www.locknstitch.com/cummins_5...ine_repair.htm

http://www.locknstitch.com/5.9_cummi...nforcement.htm

Read the other links there for more info.

The people at Locknstitch are very helpful. I have welded quite a bit of cast -- this is the only repair I would advise for this situation.

I have been running mine for about a month. About a 5 inch crack.

Gus at Farmboy's Diesel Performance is running 785 horsepower on a cracked 53 block. It is not a horsepower issue. It is a defective casting and is made to appear by not warming up for about 1/2 hour before you take off. Exactly the way I drive so it is not acceptable to me and must be fixed.

http://www.locknstitch.com/nickle_weld_engine_block.htm Don't weld it. These guys know what they are talking about == I have been to their office as I live near it. They have thanks for repairs from several race car drivers.

I will repair mine in the next few weeks -- may post more info here. The kit with one reinforcing bracket is about $750.

 

welding is no a good answer.I'm a welder my self and to even make any atemt at all, you need hard faceing rod and you have to preheat it just right and cool it gradually.you also have to ping the weld.couse cast iron has so many poors in it, you have to actually hammer the weld to make it sinck in to the poores of the casting.it can be done with a tig welder and special rod that runs about 75 to 85 dollars a pound.I weld up heads and blocks for a locale engin rebuilder.its a good 4hr job just to do a 2in crack on a small block cylider head.I don't do it on a regular bases couse its a pain.I only do it for this guy couse most people say no when I tell them the price fo the procedure.go with the lock and stick its a lot cheaper than a good welder.I would charge about 95 an hour to do that and its an all day or better job

 

if your thinking about welding it take a look at this and maybe youll change your mind

http://www.locknstitch.com/Repair%20....9%20block.pdf

 

Good example there EverydayDiesel. I haven't seen all of their info as I already know not to weld it.

Added info on LocknStitch. I bought the kit to do it myself because to repair in their shop initial cost is $1800 for the first 4 inches plus $60 an inch. I am not sure but I think that includes the first reinforcement bracket at $375.

They are not overpriced on their repair, but I can do it myself with the $750 or so kit.