Question about blocks

[Fullboarcummins]

So I have a cracked #53 block in my truck. I have found a number of sites that claim the crack can be repaired by stiching it. Sounds like a bad idea to me. What do you guys think about this? Maybe if the truck would never be modded. But I plan on making 500-600hp. Are 12 valve and 24 valve blocks compatible in any way? Would a motor out of a 02 work in my 99? Im just trying to save a few bucks. I have a complete 99 engine lined up for $1100. But it will need a rebuild costing me another $4000. I also found a complete engine out of a 02 with only 94,000 miles on it for $3200. I was told some engines have cam and crank sensors. While others only have a crank sensor. Can I save the cash and make the 02 engine work using parts from my current engine? Or should I spend the extra money and go with the same model year engine? I have alot more time than money for this project. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[dripley]

the 02 has a cam sensor. 01 and back have a crank sensor. i dont believe any of the 24v had both. the ecm monitors the cam or crank sensor so you might need the 02 ecm. electronics aint my strong suit. go to the user control panel and fill out your sig so we all know what kind of truck you are dealing with. it will help everyone. i have seen some right ups on stitching the block and think some have had success with it. just to big of a gamble for me. especiallly if i was going for the hp you want.

[Fullboarcummins]

The 02 engine comes with the ecm. If the blocks are the same can I just swap my stuff onto the 02 engine and go? This option would leave me with alot of spare parts.

[dripley]

that sig will help. looks like you dont need anything in the tranny. it looks pretty well covered. is the 02 an auto. that would help. if it is a 6 speed then it is a ho engine. i am not sure if that will cause any problems on an auto. the fuel cannister and oil filter set up is differant. does the engine come with anything else other that the ecm?

[Fullboarcummins]

The 02 engine was from a truck with an automatic. It is complete minus the starter and alternator. The 99 engine for $1100 is also complete. The vp is bad but it is supposed to be a mexican block. And the guy said it has 50hp ddp injectors. it would be nice to have a fresh engine in the truck. But on the other hand it would be nice to save the money.

[dripley]

the 02 sounds like the way to go for me. but it is a used engine and there is always risk involved. i just put a used nv5600 in mine and i am keeping my fingers crossed on it. as long as the o2 was taken decent care of it should have alot of lifeleft in it. i dont know wether the ecm and pcm will communicate with each other without a reflash. we will need someone here that is better with the electronics. if the 99 has to be rebuilt do you know what is wrong with it?

[Fullboarcummins]

The 99 has 200k on it. The guy that has it says it is a running engine. But said it would be wise to rebuild it. I will more than likely go with the 99 engine and a rebuild. The head would have to come off of the 02 engine to be o ringed anyhow. I might as well take the time to save the money up and have a fresh engine. I will have it balanced while im at it also.

[Fullboarcummins]

So I picked up the engine for my truck today. Got it for $1000. It doesnt say 53 anywhere on it. I assume thats a good thing? Is there a certain number I should be looking for? My 53 block has a rather large 53 on the driver side lower front of the block. This new block just has a series of numbers/letters. I will try to google them? It must have had a manual trans behind it. But it looks like I can easily swap everything from my block to this one. Let the fun begin.

[DezrtRat]

You're probably in luck. The 53, as you know, is easy to see and find.

[JOHNFAK]

There's a writeup with pics on cf. Unfortunately it can be stamped in diff places ... But it shows where withpics. Curious you said a full rebuild on new block was 4k Any details on what that included ? Thx

[Fullboarcummins]

The 4k includes machine work, new cummins pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets. Cleaning the block and all other parts. Rebuilding the head. Basicly I would have a new engine ready to run. Im not sure I will be able to afford the rebuild. I will probably clean things up and install new gaskets. I may have the head rebuilt. I used to work for the shop that would be doing the work. Im still very good friends with them. We are going to the performance racing industry show in december. Its a very long drive to florida. Maybe I can work a deal. Lol

[JOHNFAK]

The 4k includes machine work, new cummins pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets. Cleaning the block and all other parts. Rebuilding the head. Basicly I would have a new engine ready to run. Im not sure I will be able to afford the rebuild. I will probably clean things up and install new gaskets. I may have the head rebuilt. I used to work for the shop that would be doing the work. Im still very good friends with them. We are going to the performance racing industry show in december. Its a very long drive to florida. Maybe I can work a deal. Lol

Warranty ? Man if you trust them and they will back up any issues - that seems like a good deal But cool - just curious

[Fullboarcummins]

Not sure if it would come with a warranty. But I trust them and have no doubts about the quality of their work. They are a full service shop. They also have an engine and chassis dyno.

[clutch]

I am not sure if you are aware of this or not. There is a class action law suit dealing with 53 block failures. 1998 to 2001 trucks with the 5.9 are involved. Check this out. www.cumminspickupblocksettlement.com You may be elegible for up to $500 if your truck meets certain criteria.

[Fullboarcummins]

Got the bad engine out of the truck today. I cant find this crack anywhere. The guy I bought the truck from says it has a chunk out of it. Somehow im over looking it. Or it isnt there. It was nice to verify the torque converter. I was just told its a tripple disc. With the engine out I can see its a sun coast converter. It was a good day.

[JOHNFAK]

Got the bad engine out of the truck today. I cant find this crack anywhere. The guy I bought the truck from says it has a chunk out of it. Somehow im over looking it. Or it isnt there. It was nice to verify the torque converter. I was just told its a tripple disc. With the engine out I can see its a sun coast converter. It was a good day.

you've probably already seen it - but this has good info http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm The cracks I have seen on threads often seem to be around the heat exchanger area. Wouldn't think it would be that easy to see unless it was very big and you had a lot of coolant comming out.

[Fullboarcummins]

All the cracks I have seen were pretty easy to see. The coolant stains the block pretty good. Doesnt matter either way. Im putting a mexican block back in. will magnaflux the 53 block. Then maybe get a few dollars for it.

[DezrtRat]

Although my block is cracked with signs of leakage, it doesn't actually leak until the RPMs are around 2k. And yes, it's very hard to see when installed. behind the heat exchanger just above the freeze plugs between the 2nd & 3rd plug.

[Blueox01]

You can buy a new block(reinforced by water jacket) from frieghtliner for around $1500,Overhaul kit(rings,bearings,gaskits,seals)for about $1000,get the head done for $400,use your original hard parts(pistons,crank,rods,timing gears,cam) Then your labor.

[JOHNFAK]

You can buy a new block(reinforced by water jacket) from frieghtliner for around $1500,Overhaul kit(rings,bearings,gaskits,seals)for about $1000,get the head done for $400,use your original hard parts(pistons,crank,rods,timing gears,cam) Then your labor.

Thats actually really good to know - hope I never need to use it - but very interesting. Wondering what shop labor would be typical if you supply all the hard parts. For that matter how hard is it to do yourself ?