I have looked for info on repairing a 53 block and nothing. I need detail, or let me ask this has anyone ever done it with scucess? I found a motor with 80k and my thought is why cant it be drilled and tapped?

I would steer clear if its already cracked.

This is the most info I have ever found on it. http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm

this page has instructions how to fix in downloadable .pdf http://www.locknstitch.com/cummins_5_9_block.htm

I agree with w&f

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  guesswho512 said:

this page has instructions how to fix in downloadable .pdf http://www.locknstitch.com/cummins_5_9_block.htm

That makes sence, that is what will work. Ever time you weld on something it has to shrink somewhere causing it to crack,or crack again. Shot peen needs more room to work.

  guesswho512 said:

this page has instructions how to fix in downloadable .pdf http://www.locknstitch.com/cummins_5_9_block.htm

Every thing I have read and seen on the lock and stitch method is very spotty with few long term positive results on the blocks. Most have developed a leak again even after the stitch. Problem being is that blocks still flex a bit and expand and contract so in short once its cracked I would not waste any time or money on it. I have seen articles on people who have looked inside the coolant passages of these blocks and found in pretty much every case that a small crack exposed on the outside it always a lot bigger inside the block what you see externally is just a fraction of the crack.Kind of like the pencil holder crack on the outside but on the inside you find:moon: