1ton Dodge

[Calman]

Cummins question.

We bought a used dodge 1ton dually with the cummins engine.99 model. after buying we discovered a small crack in the block.

I called several machine shops tex and okla, and they will not weld the block because the casting is only 3/16 of an inch thick. also thet wont do stich and bolt because it's too thin.

I went on line and found that that along this year the blocks with casting #52 were casted in mexico and all just 3/16 inch thick. Since has been corrected to a thicker block.

It will get rid of about 1/2 gal of antifreeze in about 1 week of hard use using the a/c. We keep a check on it and have never let it overheat.

Having said this I know we will be replacing the engine, or the truck in the future. I also know I will be getting responces like, get a ford or get a chevy.

But what i'm asking is, have anybody here experienced this and if so what was done to fix it. ( maby some temp.fix to make it last longer) since everything else about the truck is in great condition. To trade it or sell it would be giving someonelse a screwing like we got.

Any Ideas? :idea:

Thanks beforehand. Cal

 

[Bullbuyer]

Temp fix is a tough question - you might be better served looking for a mechanics Q&A board. I personally would look for a replacement engine. In Texas, do you have any legal leg to stand on ? Can you take it back to seller, etc. ?

 

[dj]

I think I'd try JB weld first and hope it would be last.
But here's some other thoughts.
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=crack+ ... =&ei=UTF-8

Maybe the fellow in the first link is still looking for a volunteer?

 

[TXBobcat]

The following website should give some more information:

http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/showthread.php?t=18752&highlight=block

 

[Anonymous]

I can't remember but I think The name is CP11 epoxy saw it used on a marine engine. The block had a hole in it the size of your fist. They ground the edges down and built it back up with this stuff and said it would be stronger than the cast.

 

[Rafter E]

Have an experienced welder run a bead on it. It will work fine. A machine shop may be too concerned about reputation and liability, a welder will do it for the thrill of seeing if it works.

I am north of Amarillo and have 2 Cummins 5.9's available, let me know if you are interested and we can figure out if they are compatible.

 

[DiamondSCattleCo]

Contact Cummins on this. If you get the right rep, you can often get a short block out of the deal. Failing this, you may be able to get a good welder to patch it up, but you're probably further ahead to look for a short block in a wrecker somewhere. I've seen brand new short blocks selling for under 5K on eBay. If have to buy a short block, you definitely need one from an engine code ETC, 1998.5 - 2002. Your head and whatnot will bolt on to earlier blocks, however the cam's used a different profile, so you'll be down on power. I don't recall if different pistons were used, but I believe so.

The 2003 and up blocks used a different head gasket and water jacket drilling, so the head/block combo are incompatible.

If you do end up with a short block, get your existing head decked and trued up to match the new block. You may have some head gasket issues otherwise.

Rod

 

[Calman]

Thanks for all your replies. I'm still using the truck but am doing further research.meanwhile check water level ever morn and keeping eye on temp guage.

PS I posted the wrong casting# it's 53 instead of 52.

Cal