Hello,

        I was happily cruising up the freeway Saturday night (and making good time
I might add).  I glanced only to see the alternator light come on dim, then
start to pulsate bright & dim.  I quickly check the other gauges and all
else is well.  I think, "I've only go 10 miles to go, I can make it on the
battery."  So I turn off the radio and the aux. lights and continue.  One
second later the temperature light comes on bright.  Arghhh!, I head for
the shoulder.  Looking in the mirror I see a huge plume of smoke trailing
me.  Quickly I grabbed my trusty peewee fire extinguisher and run to the
back of the van.  Much to my relief I found no flames, only steam.   I
quickly walk 1/4 mile to the call box only to find that it does not work.
 About the time I returned, two big fire trucks showed up ready to douse my
van.  I was happy to see them, they were not terribly amused.

        Anyway, to the point: The water pump failed.  Water spews from the weep
hole almost as fast as I can fill the reservoir.  Is this a common thing?
 This van has not leaked a drop in 6 months.  Anyway, how long does it take
to replace one of these and how difficult is it?  BusDepot has the pump for
$50.

Please respond directly as I am currently unsubscribed.

Thanks in advance,
Vernon Craddock

Vernon@Craddock.Com
'90 Standard Vanagon