99 3500 24v 5sp cranks nicely, runs great, etc.... great mileage. Daily driver, no pulling, about 60 miles a day. The oil looks good.

I have had the truck for three weeks now, I noticed that every three days, I had to refill the radiator. Lo and behold, there is water coming from the drivers side, I have read all the horror stories about the 53 cracks.

Raised the hood, looks like a crack. Looks like the previous guy put some sort of JB weld. Question and advice needed is: Can I ignore it and just keep putting water in....
Can my mechanic, just weld the s.o.b.
Am I doomed?

Just feeling kinda bummed right about now, but I know that these engines can take a severe beating and this does not effect I believe its performance.

Thanks

Carlos

 

You'll be fine for a while but the crack will just get longer as time goes by. I actually dyoned my truck with water pouring out the block like I had busted a hose and I drove it 40 minutes home no problems. You probably better just start searching for a good used block.

 

That is not the normal place for the 53 block to crack....

It usually cracks on the passenger side on a ledge below the exhaust manifold (ask me how I know!).....I have never heard of it cracking anywhere else but in this spot...

Look here for some excellent pics of the typical crack location:http://www.cumminsdatabase.com/read.php?id=185

Are you 100% certain the block is cracked on the drivers side?

Post a pic if you can.

If it is cracked, it isn't junk yet....

The link shows the Lock and Stitch method 53 block repair that I have personally performed and I can say it does work as advertised.

 

It has a hairline 2" fracture on the top side of the block. They are putting on a nice thick coat of JB WELD and will let it sit for the next 18 hours.... I am just hoping.

Carlos

 

http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

Where exactly is it cracked? Can you post some pictures?

 

Hope this helps...it is on the passenger side. I also took a picture of this number 84 that was located on what appears to be the transfer case? Hope it helps.

Carlos

p.s. I am looking for a way to upload the pics..let me see

 

If it's from a dealer, there may be a "lemon" law return.

If it's from a private, well tell him you want your money back,
you have friends in NYC

 

If it is a "53", you will see it stamped on the block on the drivers side. You'll have to get under there to see it.

If you can't get it replaced or fixed or your money back from the person you bought it from, see a good welder about getting it welded. If it runs good and has no other problems, I would try that first, before replacing the block.

 

Welding the block will not fix the 53 crack....it will crack again.

 

Lock-N-Stich?

 

This is what I was speaking of. Guess I need to make myself a little more clear.

 

Well we let the JB dry for 18 hours, cleaned the underside and so far no leaks. I know this is temporary, but I will try and find someone who can do the stitch weld down here.....

I am assuming that keeping an eye on the water level could hold me over for a while, I am not planning on towing anything more than 4 people seated inside and keeping the rpms to under 2200


As you can tell by my postings, I am poor and can not afford an old block now.

Gracias

Carlos

 

Id demand my money back from the guy you bought it from. He had to know it was cracked. Your pronably out of luck now that you tryed to fix it.

 

i just traded for a 2001 and i just went outside and checked and guess what...it has 53 stamped on it. just my luck. will dodge or cummins do anything if it is not cracked ? it only has 67,000 miles on it and as far as i know it is completely stock. i am sure the good ole boys at dodge are going to treat this like the "kdp" in the 12v's, you know deny there is a problem. ****

 

Yes, this is what I referred to in my first post.....I have done it and it does work. It ain't cheap (especially their block re-enforcing bracket kit) but it is worth it and is obviously significantly less expensive than replacing the block.