Stranded in Ely

saline · 02-13-2013, 08:21 PM

Well, spending an unplanned night in Ely, NV tonight. About 20 miles east I noticed the Scangauge temps spiked, sending the coolant to 230 and oil to 235 and the engine fan shortly thereafter went full speed. I knew something was wrong. The engine also went into limp mode reducing power. I was able to baby our SMB over the pass and down into Ely. Even across the flats the temps were about 10 degrees above normal. No codes, no missing coolant, no smoke and no blown hoses.
Long story short. Suspected water pump and took it to the only diesel shop in town. I spent most of the day helping the mechanic pull everything out to get to the water pump. Pulled the pump and found wear and deformity on the plastic impellers and a sloppy shaft (everyone hates that right?). New pump and thermostat are in now and waiting on a new serpentine belt to arrive tomorrow morning. Sucks to pay $900 for a job you could do at home for $220 and a case of beer.
This job is not easy and is not a field fix.

Trip to DV delayed a day at least but I'm grateful it didn't happen between ELY and Tonapah.

**BroncoHauler** · 02-13-2013, 08:25 PM

Bummer,but like you mentioned, it could have happened in a much worse place, or it could even have happened 20 miles from the nearest blacktop.

Herb

JoeH · 02-13-2013, 08:37 PM

That sucks. Even with the plastic impeller blades you don't hear of too many water pump failures on the 6.0. Go figure?

Did you go OEM or find one like the BPD with aluminum blades. Diesesite offers one with metal blades as well.

**daveb** · 02-13-2013, 09:25 PM

Guess now I know why the thread to bullet proof the engine included a better water pump. Hope you're back on the road soon. Last time I was in Ely I lost my rear U-joint but was able to limp home. Thankfully it happened to you close to a town.

Post how good the shop treats you. I'm in the area frequently and that is helpful info.

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Dave

saline · 02-14-2013, 03:14 PM

Update:
Here another night.

I assisted in putting everything back in this morning and after everything was buttoned up the water pump leaked. I had a suspicion so I grabbed the box that the water pump came in and I called to cross reference the part number. Sure enough, the wrong water pump was installed by the shop, hence the leak. Awesome...I took it upon myself to order the correct pump and have it sent here. So frustrating!!! I don't know who was at fault for getting the wrong pump but either way, it sucks.
FWIW the 6.0 has 2 different water pumps on the e-series dependent on build date.

saline · 02-14-2013, 03:17 PM

BTW, we saw a newer black or gunmetal grey SMB on the way into Ely yesterday at a campground.

Ford_6L_E350 · 02-14-2013, 03:54 PM

Having twice spent 5 days in a Canadian town getting my van fixed, I can sympathize.

Have you used any of your downtime to explore the Ely RR Museum? Great place to visit, especially enjoyed the machine shops. Radial arm drills with 8 foot swing! Really big lathes! A forge! More!

Mike

**BroncoHauler** · 02-14-2013, 05:20 PM

Out of curiosity, does the front end have to come off, or do you just have to be double-jointed to replace the water pump?

Herb

Ford_6L_E350 · 02-14-2013, 05:22 PM

Taking the radiator out can improve access. The belt is a pain in any case.

Mike

saline · 02-14-2013, 06:46 PM

The charge air cooler, radiator, fan shroud(s), fan, and all associated lines must be removed. It is a royal pain in the a$$. The charge air cooler and radiator can be removed as one piece. It is a messy two person job.