Cracked Block?
09-09-2003 | 07:32 PM
#1
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From: Powhatan, Virginia
Cracked Block?
I have a water leak, and yes, I have the dreaded 53 block.
The leak is behind the heat exchanger on the right side of the engine, below the head and freeze plugs, at the edge of where the block curves in, going down to the oil pan.
It seems to be horizontal along that edge.
See attached pics and let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Chris
The leak is behind the heat exchanger on the right side of the engine, below the head and freeze plugs, at the edge of where the block curves in, going down to the oil pan.
It seems to be horizontal along that edge.
See attached pics and let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Chris
09-09-2003 | 09:37 PM
#4
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Re:Cracked Block?
Looks like corrosion from the inside out. Photo #3 is the give-away. Left side stains look like pinholes. You can actually see the pinhole at the head the extreme left stain. Then to the right of the photo the stains broaden, as if the pinholes had developed into a long crack. Had a 304 V8 in an old IH truck a few years ago, and the block cracked like this. Pinholes first, then a long horizontal fracture.
If that's the case, then there's probably more than one place on the block where this is happening. Painful to see the photos. Very sorry about it.
I.
If that's the case, then there's probably more than one place on the block where this is happening. Painful to see the photos. Very sorry about it.
I.
09-09-2003 | 09:46 PM
#5
It's my pot and I'll stir it if I want to. If you're not careful, I'll stir your's as well!
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From: Central Mexico.
Re:Cracked Block?
Incanus could be right. The first thing I thought when I took a look at the pics was the odd pattern of the leak. A crack does not generaly originate in a series of dripples like these pics show. A leak from a crack would more likely be in a longer pattern and be more in line. This leak is too staggered even for a jagged crack.
09-09-2003 | 11:16 PM
#6
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Re:Cracked Block?
Hey I have a 99 24 valve how do you tell if i have the one that goes bad and how do you prevent this from happening or can you, never heard of this yet its new to me and has me worried about it now...Thanks T.J.
09-09-2003 | 11:30 PM
#7
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From: Powhatan, Virginia
Re:Cracked Block?
TJ,
Left side of the engine, near the front, just behind the wiring harness that goes up the side of the engine under the injector pump, there will be a number. If it is 53 it is the thin walled block. This is not a guarantee the block will fail, but it is more likely with these blocks.
Chris
Left side of the engine, near the front, just behind the wiring harness that goes up the side of the engine under the injector pump, there will be a number. If it is 53 it is the thin walled block. This is not a guarantee the block will fail, but it is more likely with these blocks.
Chris
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09-10-2003 | 01:44 AM
#8
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From: coupeville wa.
Re:Cracked Block?
im not convinced w. o. being there!!!
make sure its not blowing back from a h20 pump,
you can clean it all off and put the yellow dye in and check it with a black light and or preassure check it at the same time.
make sure its not the head gskt too (mabe hope it is)
make sure its not blowing back from a h20 pump,
you can clean it all off and put the yellow dye in and check it with a black light and or preassure check it at the same time.
make sure its not the head gskt too (mabe hope it is)
09-10-2003 | 04:56 AM
#9
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From: San Juan Bautista Ca.
Re:Cracked Block?
[quote author=Stamey link=board=4;threadid=19478;start=0#msg182867 date=1063164608]
TJ,
Left side of the engine, near the front, just behind the wiring harness that goes up the side of the engine under the injector pump, there will be a number. If it is 53 it is the thin walled block. This is not a guarantee the block will fail, but it is more likely with these blocks.
Chris
[/quote]
Dumb question but what are the good numbers ???
TJ,
Left side of the engine, near the front, just behind the wiring harness that goes up the side of the engine under the injector pump, there will be a number. If it is 53 it is the thin walled block. This is not a guarantee the block will fail, but it is more likely with these blocks.
Chris
[/quote]
Dumb question but what are the good numbers ???
09-10-2003 | 06:50 AM
#10
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Re:Cracked Block?
Seeing how this is a pretty important issue, I would like to see Stameys question stay in control during this thread. If you do have a question about block numbers, I would go ahead and open another thread. I would really like to keep this one on truck due to its nature. Thanks guys 
Jack
Jack
09-10-2003 | 07:42 AM
#11
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From: Powhatan, Virginia
Re:Cracked Block?
Thumper,
I wish I wasn't convinced. I have looked and looked, but only see a leak there. It is dry as a bone above and in front of that area. I was sure hoping it was a freeze plug, but I can see no leaks around them. I also pressurized the system for those pics. I have noticed that it isn't very bad (if that's possible) when under 15 psi of pressure, but I suppose that's because it wasn't hot at the time (I had to have it cool enough to remove the radiator cap to put the pressure tester on it).
:'(,
Chris
I wish I wasn't convinced. I have looked and looked, but only see a leak there. It is dry as a bone above and in front of that area. I was sure hoping it was a freeze plug, but I can see no leaks around them. I also pressurized the system for those pics. I have noticed that it isn't very bad (if that's possible) when under 15 psi of pressure, but I suppose that's because it wasn't hot at the time (I had to have it cool enough to remove the radiator cap to put the pressure tester on it).
:'(,
Chris
09-10-2003 | 11:12 AM
#12
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From: coupeville wa.
Re:Cracked Block?
you can still use the yellow dye procedure, it will just jump out at you [you see long b4 it starts to run down anywhere] therefor one can see exactly where its comming out of.
if not under warrenty you can use your favorit brand of block fix( bars) . i thought these type of cracks always started at the rear.
i would do my best to see where it was comming from with the dye b4 introducing the stop leak stuff cause if its a fixable problem you dont want to cover it up.
also if you can get at it it can be welded (nirod). t.m.o.
if not under warrenty you can use your favorit brand of block fix( bars) . i thought these type of cracks always started at the rear.
i would do my best to see where it was comming from with the dye b4 introducing the stop leak stuff cause if its a fixable problem you dont want to cover it up.
also if you can get at it it can be welded (nirod). t.m.o.
09-10-2003 | 12:51 PM
#13
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From: Southern, Indiana
Re:Cracked Block?
Chris,
Yes you have the dreaded 53 block crack.
There is not really a fix for this, I also have the 53 block in my truck, and I fear the crack.
Typically heavy towing accelerates the dreaded crack.
I would advise purchasing a used engine or new block and go from there.
Sorry.
--Justin
Yes you have the dreaded 53 block crack.
There is not really a fix for this, I also have the 53 block in my truck, and I fear the crack.
Typically heavy towing accelerates the dreaded crack.
I would advise purchasing a used engine or new block and go from there.
Sorry.
--Justin
