Replaced engine

[brianMO]

Just put a remanufacture cummins longblock in my 99 dodge. Got hit with the defective 53 casting that has got so many people. Cracked 4 years ago. Did a lock n stich repair. Crack again. This time I decided to replace. Only had 145k on it. It was expensive but trying not to fret about it. I also replaced the vac pump, liftpump, and several other small things. I do love the way it performs pulling a trailer. I just could not think of going back to a gasser.

 

[Willl]

Wow, that's not a small chore, bet your glad that's done.

Haven't heard of this "defective 53 casting", it don't reach up to my 02 cummins does it ?

 

[brianMO]

Your lucky, I think it was 1999 and 2000 models. These blocks were made in Brazil. Not all 1999 and 2000's had these. Your right, it would be a big job to do this myself. I stand correct... I mean had it done. I have about $7200 in this repair. I beat it around for a long time. Truck was paid for with a cracked block which made it unethical and nearly impossible to trade or sale without the truth. I decided to fix and drive the #rap out of it. I made sure the builder put a non-53 in it.

 

[JB4310]

I've heard of that 53 defect before, have not heard much about them being taken out of service, did Cummins offer anything towards the repair, this was known when the truck was still under warranty wasn't it? I had a 95 ram 2500 with 5.9, now have a 07 w/6.7, I do love in-line 6 Cummins, and even if I had a bad experience I would still give it another chance.

I would not of felt guilty trading that defective engine in for another Dodge at a Dodge dealer, it was their problem to begin with. Agree wouldn't sell it to unsuspecting private buyer though.

JB.

 

[brianMO]

It was out of warranty. The bad thing about trading is they usually auction the truck off and some unsepecting car lot will get it and then it will be sold to someone like you and me. I just really could not do that to someone. I guess having a consience really sucks sometimes.

 

[Renze]

I would not of felt guilty trading that defective engine in for another Dodge at a Dodge dealer, it was their problem to begin with. Agree wouldn't sell it to unsuspecting private buyer though.

I bought another muck spreader last fall, because the 3 meter spreader box isnt really compatible with my 2 meter loader bucket, the new 4 meter spreader box makes even loading (means even spreading) easier.
It ran great when empty (no load). However with the first load, i heard the pinion rattle over the gears...
You could say i was an unsuspecting private buyer... luckily i know these spreaders inside out, because i totally rebuilt my current one 5 years ago.

By the way, whats about this 53 casting ? You mean block castings with a serial number starting with 53 ??

 

[brianMO]

This link will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about a 53 block.

53 Block FAQ and Information

 

[newbury]

It was out of warranty. The bad thing about trading is they usually auction the truck off and some unsepecting car lot will get it and then it will be sold to someone like you and me. I just really could not do that to someone. I guess having a consience really sucks sometimes.

Boy - it sounds like you'd never make it as a politician, lawyer, investment banker or used car salesman!!

Also - it sounds like a cavitation problem similar to my Ford 7.3 if you don't use the correct antifreeze.

 

[Egon]

You are a man of Principle!

Congratulations.

 

[Renze]

This link will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about a 53 block.

53 Block FAQ and Information

Thanks a lot !! We got the engines in our loaders from England... dont know if they are produced there, but would the 53 blocks be sold to the European OEM market as well ?

 

[WilliamBos]

Your lucky, I think it was 1999 and 2000 models. These blocks were made in Brazil. Not all 1999 and 2000's had these. Your right, it would be a big job to do this myself. I stand correct... I mean had it done. I have about $7200 in this repair. I beat it around for a long time. Truck was paid for with a cracked block which made it unethical and nearly impossible to trade or sale without the truth. I decided to fix and drive the #rap out of it. I made sure the builder put a non-53 in it.

Just curious, was it purchased from Cummins? That is a lot of money, but it is a good investment, especially since the truck is paid for. As long as you do not grow bored of it, the truck will last a long time.

 

[NuBota]

Brian - all I am gonna say is keep hammering Chrysler. I don't know if this issue is as widespread as mine, but heres my story....

Had a 2000 Dodge Intrepid with 2.7L engine. Had a widespread sludge problem (I know of three others first hand). Engine went 4 years in at 40K miles. Chrysler wouldn't talk to me since I didn't have receipts detailing regular maint. Class action was being taken, etc etc. It sat in the driveway for a year while I was deciding what I wanted to do. Finally gave it to my BIL who planned to replace the motor. He's more frugal than me and kept hammering at Chrysler in my name (they would only deal with the original owner and I hadn't transferred the title yet). They finally were willing to settle. He had a friend replace the motor and Chrysler (via arbitration company) sent me a check for around $4K, which I gave to the BIL (still kick myself sometimes - really liked that car). So he got a great car for a grand...

Anyway, if you have the tenacity, you may still be able to re-claim some $$$

 

[brianMO]

I have been down the road of trying to claim a defective issue. Dodge will not touch it out of warranty, and Cummins has dropped any help they were offering. I just decided to get it done and not look back. My engine was not from Cummins. That would have been about $8500 for a long block plus installation @ $100 / hr for 30 shop hours. I got a remanufacture long block built by Forest Diesel in St. James Missouri. $4500 for the engine plus install. Out of the $7200 spent he only charge me $1500 in labor. That is 24 shop hours @ $65.00 / hr. Fluids, remanufactured Vac pump, tranny cooling line, and new liftpump were added to the bill. I went with an Airtex lift pump. It pegs my fuel pressure gauge. WOT I get 12. It is not a Fass, but better then the carter. So far I am happy. Plan to keep the truck for a long time. Have not been through the Vp44 problem yet. I monitor my fuel pressure constantly. Thinking about starting the 2 cycle oil additive.

 

[MarkLeininger]

Apply for bailout money, everybody else is getting it.