Replaced engine

WilliamBos · Mar 24, 2009

brianMO said:
Your lucky, I think it was 1999 and 2000 models. These blocks were made in Brazil. Not all 1999 and 2000's had these. Your right, it would be a big job to do this myself. I stand correct... I mean had it done. I have about $7200 in this repair. I beat it around for a long time. Truck was paid for with a cracked block which made it unethical and nearly impossible to trade or sale without the truth. I decided to fix and drive the #rap out of it. I made sure the builder put a non-53 in it.

Just curious, was it purchased from Cummins? That is a lot of money, but it is a good investment, especially since the truck is paid for. As long as you do not grow bored of it, the truck will last a long time.

NuBota · Mar 24, 2009

Brian - all I am gonna say is keep hammering Chrysler. I don't know if this issue is as widespread as mine, but heres my story....

Had a 2000 Dodge Intrepid with 2.7L engine. Had a widespread sludge problem (I know of three others first hand). Engine went 4 years in at 40K miles. Chrysler wouldn't talk to me since I didn't have receipts detailing regular maint. Class action was being taken, etc etc. It sat in the driveway for a year while I was deciding what I wanted to do. Finally gave it to my BIL who planned to replace the motor. He's more frugal than me and kept hammering at Chrysler in my name (they would only deal with the original owner and I hadn't transferred the title yet). They finally were willing to settle. He had a friend replace the motor and Chrysler (via arbitration company) sent me a check for around $4K, which I gave to the BIL (still kick myself sometimes - really liked that car). So he got a great car for a grand...

Anyway, if you have the tenacity, you may still be able to re-claim some $$$

brianMO · Mar 25, 2009

I have been down the road of trying to claim a defective issue. Dodge will not touch it out of warranty, and Cummins has dropped any help they were offering. I just decided to get it done and not look back. My engine was not from Cummins. That would have been about $8500 for a long block plus installation @ $100 / hr for 30 shop hours. I got a remanufacture long block built by Forest Diesel in St. James Missouri. $4500 for the engine plus install. Out of the $7200 spent he only charge me $1500 in labor. That is 24 shop hours @ $65.00 / hr. Fluids, remanufactured Vac pump, tranny cooling line, and new liftpump were added to the bill. I went with an Airtex lift pump. It pegs my fuel pressure gauge. WOT I get 12. It is not a Fass, but better then the carter. So far I am happy. Plan to keep the truck for a long time. Have not been through the Vp44 problem yet. I monitor my fuel pressure constantly. Thinking about starting the 2 cycle oil additive.