Yesterday afternoon I discovered - much to my dismay! - that I have the dreaded "53" block; I recall from sifting through several posts that someone mentioned a Cummins strap / fix for the issue; While I cannot quite imagine what external part may actually prevent the block from cracking, I'm willing to try ANYTHING - before the beast goes.

Anybody heard of and/or tried such a thing/device?

 

first of all before you panic what do you do as far as towing with your truck and how heavily bombed is it what are your plans for bombs? if you are not towing heavy or bombing heavy you prolly have no worries. I too have seen some posts here about a strap. i am not sure much can be done about a block that is cast thin.

 

The 53 block usually becomes a problem for those who tow heavy and modify to more exteme measures of Torque.

There's lots of 53s running around with no problems.

The strp you're refering to, is placed on the exhaust mainifold retaining bolts to prevent them loosing up and falling out.

If your block does crack. Cummins has been pretty good about replacing them up to the 100,000 mile warranty although some have had to persue the matter "with extreme prejudice".

 

I have recently determined that, I too, have the 53 block. With 133,000 on the truck, I have no recourse other than to ride it out. I have plans to BOMB this truck some more, and am not sure where to stop - the bug is bad.

Any ideas what "extreme" measures of torque would be? I don't tow, but I do drag around some big tires with me.

As for the strap, I have also seen that mentioned. Where do you find such an animal?

Matt

 

Some crack 'em, some don't. it's a crap-shoot.
With the un-tapped wire and stock injectors, you should be ok. (JMHO)
Tap the wire, or add "showerheads", and I'd start saving my pennies.


As for the TSB on the Exhaust Bolt Retaining Straps.
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2001/09-002-01.htm

 

Your poll did not have my situation, HAD a "53" block, but got it replaced and got out for less than 500.00. I voted that I have a "53" though.

I have never seen the girdle, but have heard it spoken of. It supposedly goes under the pan and bolts to either side of the block. I did extensive research when I had my cracked block and I never actually found a part number or TSB for it, so while I can't say for sure it doesn't exist, but I doubt it. The other reason I doubt it is the nature of the crack. It just doesn't seem to occur at a real stress location that could be reinforced to prevent it.

I HAVE heard of a fix for this, that was applied to International diesels in Fords when their blocks cracked. As it was explained to me, Ford sent a rep out who drilled a series of holes along the crack, and at both ends, then put some kind of epoxy in the holes to fill in behind the crack and all of the holes. While this sounds plausible, if you don't fill up the water jacket in that area and restrict water flow, I doubt it is a good long-term fix for the Cummins block. While I never actually saw it, the dealer that inspected it told me that it had started cracking and leaking on the left side of the engine, (the original crack was along the right side). If the block is that weak, you wouldn't want to bother with the repair, unless you were trading it as soo as it was fixed. But you might be able to accomplish fixing it enough for trade with a container of stop-leak.

http://www.Stamey.nu/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

Chris

 

With all the #53 blocks out there what do y'all think the actuall odds of your block cracking are???


ie. I know quite a few people who own 98-2002 CTDs (so therefore some of them must have a #53 block) and I don't "personally" know anyone who has had a problem.

Also, what percentage of these trucks 9 8-02 had the 53 block??


What are the realistic risks and odds?

 

I have never had any of these problems, I did vote incorrectly, I thought I was getting more into the question, not just voting yes by clicking on the box. Sorry

 

I dont know how many people visit this site but you should have added to the poll the question of who has the #53 block and who has any other #. That way you can determine how many guys on this site (in which you know are messing with their trucks) have the #53 and what your odds are for trouble with that cast. Like others have said, there must be a whole lot of #53 blocks out their, so how many are good and how many have gone bad? Thats what I want to know.

 

Mine is a 53, 98,000 mile, no problems. 10% towing sometimes trailer weight to 14,000, but usually around 9,000.

 

I have a know of a cure for the #53 - its not exactly ethical but if your interested PM me....

 

How do you identify the 53 block?

 

#53 blocks usually have a 3/4" to 1" 53 cast into the block (mines on the passanger side at the front and just above the oil pan)

The other blocks have smaller numbers....

 

53 Block - 160,000 miles no probs

 

183,000 Miles - only a few issues... but not with the block!