I read somewhere that certain years have trouble with cracked blocks. I got 2 questions: 1. What causes the blocks to crack? 2. What years are suseptable to cracking blocks? While I'm an a roll, how about a 3rd? 3. What do I look for in a 1996 Dodge to tell if there are any such problems?

Thanks

i think its thin water jacket sleevs and i believe if the block is a 53 block.i was told to look at the block by the driverside front tire and in 1 -2 inch letters if you see a 53 you dont want ,however it may have been a 54...il see if i can get more info

The block was used from in the 12Vs without trouble,in the early 24's from 98.5-2000,some of the number 53 block would crack on the pass side just below the heat exchange unit on the autos. The 53 block was 6mm thick.they increased the thickness to 12mm to fix it. Only a small percentage crack,but if your out of warranty it isnt a cheap repair.There are a lot of #53 blocks out there that are perfect,and some over 700hp,It isnt the Hp that cracks them,its thermal cycling from pulling heavy and getting coolant temps up,then at the top of the mountian you let off,and it cools down 25 degrees,then repeat ,over and over. N oworrys about the block cracking o na 96,however if you buy the truck you will want to kill the dowel pin,becasue that could get you.The dowel was an issue on the 12valves,if it falls out it usuually cracks thefront cover on the engine,repalcing this cover requires removing the camshaft,a very laor intensive job.Its easier to get the jig and drill/pin it,or remove the front cover and put a tab on it.Very easy to do,every 12V should have it done.

King was right its the 53. Are you planning on bombing it?:driver:
EDIT: Note to self, self start typing faster.

OK, thank for the 101 on 53. Now, how about a 101 on the dowel? What does the dowel line up and where ios it located? Sound like its lining up the front cover to the block/head? Where can I find it?

I'm sure John can tell you more but it is located inside the timing gear housing. If you do a search on the TDR or DTR you'll find all you need to know.


Adam

I have a 96 5 speed, the block cracked at 140,000. Same for the killer dowel pin there about. I was suspect about the heat & cool cycling, but some of the big rigs do it and they don't have the block problem. The water jacket wall is just to thin on my block .