Gentlemen:

I have been warned on a previous thread to avoid the #53 block. Can anyone fill me in on the details? What model years came with this block? What is the problem with the 53 block? Does it crack prematurely? How can you tell if it has cracked or otherwise failed?

Any pictures of where the block # is located?

Thanks

 

Check,this thread out doc ...

https://dodgeforum.com/m_585310/tm.htm

 

thanks. that's an exellent thread. Sounds like the crack would be easy for even a noob like me to see, since it sounds like it would be right along the exhaust manifold, and would have water coming out of it when the engine is running....

3200 bucks to fix it ain't what I call a cheap repair, but it sounds like a block heater and careful warm-up time in the winter will keep a cracked block. I saw your sweet swinging heater cord pole set up...