Water Pump Failure Traveling To The Eclipse
Water Pump Failure OR A Not So Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The April 8th Solar Eclipse
We were a couple hundred miles into our trip to see the solar eclipse. we were just passing Grandview and approaching Prosser, Wine Country in Washington. Just as we were passing a truck stop, steam began violently billowing out from under the hood in all directions. We stopped immediately, so no en<span;><span;><span;>gine damage would occur. I saw a heater hose burst, so I fixed that and thought we'd be on our way but not so fast. the engine was still overheating. I thought the situation over and decided since no bubbles were in the coolant, I could eliminate head gasket failure. The next thing was water pump failure which proved to be the right diagnosis. it was now Easter morning and I was doubtful we would find an Auto parts store open. As luck would have it, Oreillys in Grandview opened at 8 AM. Even more surprising was the manager stepped up and went the extra mile, delivering the part and some other items to us at the teuck stop. A lifesaver indeed. While waiting for delivery, I pulled out the fan, pully, and water pump. The old pump showed no sign of a failure and looked normal. I installed the new pump anyway. The new pump worked and the engine is running great with running temperatures between 173 and 183. Never going above or below those temperatures since installing the new pump.
There will always be another breakdown and when it happens, I'll be ready for it. Being able to do my own repairs has saved me many thousands of dollars over the years. I hope my videos will help you do the same.
