Water pump blew up in Death Valley on the eastbound climb up Towne Pass, shortly after taking off and not getting far from Panamint Springs up the 3500′ ascent.
The bearings went out, nearly completely apart, but wonky enough the shaft slung coolant all up under the hood by the engine fan draft. Before the truck overheated, was able to turn it around on a section of state route 190 along the climb. Coasted back down the hill to Panamint Springs, where I caught a ride from one of the proprietors to the nearest town of Lone Pine. Luckily the pump failed when and where it did, because within just 50 miles prior, was venturing at a mobbing pace along the south pass trail from Saline Valley.
Once in Lone Pine, was able to purchase a new water pump unit (p/n 45000) from the Auto Parts store, along with specialty tools like a pulley holder (p/n 3900) and 47mm wrench (p/n 3473) helpful to change the pump. Also purchased 5 more gallons of everything they had of pre-mixed engine coolant formulated for diesel engines.
When completing the water pump replacement and reattaching the fan clutch, it helps to use a strap or belt to suspend the fan and fan clutch assembly in order to start the 47mm nut. It’s a tight squeeze between the radiator, fan shroud, and front of the engine, that one slip and fumble of the fan could easily ruin the day for the radiator.
Manolo al Sol 