Just turned 100K is it worth fixing?

[Freqz]

Well...you're going to spend $X. Can you get a better coach than yours (with a new to you engine) for $X?

[kustom]

if you call cummins with your vin # they will tell you what block you have
i called before buying our motorhome as i was worried about the # 53 block

[Smitty77]

OP - If you like the coach, have it set up the way you want things. And if the coach is still go overall good shape. Then I'd personally get a donor 5.9 from a salvage outfit, and have it gone thru by a mechanic you trust. Or second, purchase a remanufactured engine, from a reputable outfit.

If you think the chassis or house of the coach has things that area also in need of financial attention. Or if you've been thinking about a different coach for whatever reason. Now would be the time to do so. Sell the coach as is, and priced accordingly so a new buyer understands what is needed to get it on the road running well again.

As other's have said. These are decisions only you can make. And either way you look at it, it's going to cost you. One way it costs you to get a new 5.9 up and running again in your rig. The other way it could costs you, is in the diminished value of your coach as you move onto to something else...

Best to you,
Smitty

[38Chevy454]

Originally Posted by CoachStreamr

What is the difference between a B5.9 12v and 5.9L BT?

With my serial #, I've seen my 5.9 referenced as a B and BT.

Also, when I was researching RV's I read about the block 53 issues on ISB's.. that block issue doesn't apply to 1995 B5.9 12V, correct?

.

I believe the difference is B = normal aspirated, and BT = turbocharged. Basic engine is the same, but there might be some internal differences for turbo, like slightly lower compression ratio or cam timing????

[CoachStreamr]

Originally Posted by 38Chevy454

I believe the difference is B = normal aspirated, and BT = turbocharged. Basic engine is the same, but there might be some internal differences for turbo, like slightly lower compression ratio or cam timing????

This one does have a turbo (was just replaced along with the exhaust manifold).

But parts.cummins.com for this engine's serial # has:

Marketing Engine Configuration # D403029BU05
Marketing Model Name B5.9 SBUS(230)
Service Model Name 6B5.9
Technical Engine Configuration # D403029BX02
CPL # CPL1553

So I was wondering if I have the B or BT..

.

[Randm Musing]

Originally Posted by CoachStreamr

.... when I was researching RV's I read about the block 53 issues on ISB's.. that block issue doesn't apply to 1995 B5.9 12V, correct?

.

That is correct per this:
Cummins' Fatal Flaws - Diesel Power Magazine

The Weak 53 Block 1999 to 2002

And there is this ;
11 Reasons Why the 12-Valve Cummins (12v) Is the Ultimate Diesel Engine
http://www.drivingline.com/articles/...diesel-engine/

If all of this is not confusing enough, I have lots more that I can pass on.

Again, good luck!!!

Charles.

[shepfly]

GM Central Foundry welds blocks in a repair station right on the cleaning line. So it can be done correctly and go out the door as a new block. This plant also makes cast iron blocks ( diesel) for Nissan and ships to Japan. Dave

[89sandman]

Time for another motor home. Wouldn't invest even half that on a 98.

[CoachStreamr]

Originally Posted by Randm Musing

That is correct per this:
Cummins' Fatal Flaws - Diesel Power Magazine

The Weak 53 Block 1999 to 2002

And there is this ;
11 Reasons Why the 12-Valve Cummins (12v) Is the Ultimate Diesel Engine
http://www.drivingline.com/articles/...diesel-engine/

If all of this is not confusing enough, I have lots more that I can pass on.

Again, good luck!!!

Charles.

That first link states 1999 to 2002 but only 24v:

Fatal Flaw 2: The Weak 53 Block
The second potentially deadly flaw occurs in '99 to '02 5.9L Cummins 24-valve engines

EDIT: Then in Photos on the bottom of that page mentions 12v (doesn't state date range)

Photo 5/10 | Oddly enough, some 12-valve engines also had a block with the number 53 cast into it, but they dont usually crack like the later-model blocks do.

.

[CoachStreamr]

Also saw this from a Cummins email:

"Cummins data indicates that failures of the #53 cylinder block in ISB engines, are infrequent and only affect a small percentage of engines built."

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/...e-the-53-block


Think I will crawl under and see if I can find the block number

.

[WesPearson]

Well I have decided to replace the engine. Getting a complete engine from Cummins. Big bucks but at least I will have a coach that I know the condition of and a Cummins factory warranty good at any Cummins service center nation wide. A replacement coach would have cost me much more then the cost of the new engine and whatever I could have gotten for my coach. With any luck I will be back on the road by the new year.

[HJLowell]

Good for you.

Congratulations and happy camping in 2018 and beyond.

[MartinP]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I thoight they could drill, tap and install plugs in the block?

Yes they can. The repair procedure can be found on the internet. Do a search for 53 block crack repair.

[Shawn6596]

Im thinking it's time to find 11'8", put on a helmet and give it hell. LOL https://youtu.be/USu8vT_tfdw