I just bought my first cummins. It's a 95 3500 12 vavle. The motor in it is blown (hole in block) I've got a running 12 valve I am going to put back in it. Just wondering if there is any tips and tricks to keeping these motors running well. I was also wondering how much tranny fluid I will need and what kind is best?

 

Keep oil and coolant in it and it should last an eternity. How much fluid would be determined by how much you loose in the swap, in theory you can get the engine in and out without opening the system. If its worth the hassle of trying to get coolers in a way they aren't in your way is to be determined. Best just to get the swap done start it up and verify level. I want to say a wet fill is 3-4 quarts? But hopefully someone else can step in

 

Awesome thank you

 

Killer dowel pin? 53 blocks?

 

I've got a KDP repar kit and no the one wasnt a 53 block. There's just a large hole with a rod peaking through🤣

 

That's not a flaw, that's a FEATURE!

 

weight reduction, and or, extra cooling

 

Not to mention better crankcase ventilation.

 

53 blocks leak coolant, not hardware though you rarely hear of a 53block in a 12 valve cracking anyway

Not sure if you anything about the pump/engine, beings it threw a rod makes me wonder what has been done to it or if its just one of those random phenomena's

If you're one of those keep it stock for life kind of guys it'll get along just fine, otherwise there's a lot left to be desired in my opinion, especially if its a stock auto pump, a 3 or 4k GSK and a nice fuel plate will make it way more enjoyable to drive one the road, not really adding much power just some throttle response and some more RPM band.

If it is an automatic I wouldn't hesitate to find a nice shift kit just to firm things up a little bit, and pump in park feature on the pump, unless you're planning a bigger build down the road, if you plan on towing alot a bigger pan for more capacity/cooling

As always gauges are recommended Fuel Pressure/EGT/Trans Temp/Boost are my go to gauges, fuel pressure is less critical on these pumps but still nice to know how things are performing.