cracked block!!!!

[Dually24v]

I have a hair-line crack in my 2000 dodge 3500 cummins below the freeze plugs. The dealer wants to put epoxy over it, but thats just a band aid. What should I do, pin it(thread bolts at each end of the crack), weld it, or am I just screwed?

[derek]

sounds like a 53 block.
lots of people have been having good luck with the lock n stitch system.
involves drilling and inserting a sort of break off pin, the amount of pins depends on the size of the repair.
http://www.locknstitch.com/

derek

[GMCTruxrule]

Is the crack making you leak oil or antifreeze? If not, I would drill a small hole at each end of the crack to keep it from cracking further and then drill and tap the holes, screw a bolt in and then JB Weld the crack shut. Either that or have someone you know who has experience welding cast iron try to weld it that way.

[joez]

If you are going to epoxy it, go to your local boating supply store and pick up some Marine Tex. It was designed for fixing cracked engine blocks, and works very well.

[MattS]

Is the crack making you leak oil or antifreeze? If not, I would drill a small hole at each end of the crack to keep it from cracking further and then drill and tap the holes, screw a bolt in and then JB Weld the crack shut. Either that or have someone you know who has experience welding cast iron try to weld it that way.

Whatever you do, don't let anyone weld on it. Read the http://www.locknstitch.com/ page as posted above and do that. It's about the only thing that will work long term.

[Mechanos]

Have you tried talking to Cummins about it? I've heard of a few people having luck getting Cummins to replace the block (on the 53 castings that is) since it is a known issue that they tend to crack.

[speedo]

I had a 53 block replaced under warranty on my '99 3500. Do you have any engine warranty left? Do you have a 53 block?

Gus

[Ben Holloway]

whats the best way to know if its a 53 block?

Ben

[Mechanos]

Look at the side of it and see if there is a "53" cast into the block.

[Ben Holloway]

kinda what i thought but wasnt sure, i assume it was 24 valve, um 98 till, sorry for the questions im just looking to pick up a new hauler and wanna make sure i get something thats just right

Ben

[Mechanos]

Yeah, it's a 24V. Not sure when they started using them, but I think they quit using the 53 blocks sometime in 2000. There might be some 53's in a few 2001 models. I have an '01.5 and it has a 55 block.