[pestes]

So, I flew out to Phoenix this week to pick up 540 and drive her home to Tennessee. Had Leo swap coolant and replace tag and drive bags as preventative maintenance, did some other coach related errands and then headed to Camp McCloud who truly know the meaning of hospitality.

Made it to Gallup uneventfully and had a nice day getting comfortable driving.

And then today.

I should have known to stay put when I woke up to no water pressure. No sign of life from the headhunter, it seemd to have committed seppuku in the middle of the night. No vital signs. But I figured I had an aux pump so I'd worry about it later.

Four miles West of Cline's Corner and the klaxon starts sounding from the Silverleaf. Water temp is 218. Immediately pull onto the shoulder and shutdown, figuring maybe somehow the draincock wasn't closed all the way from the coolant swap. Nope - CRS sight glass has it right in the middle. Look over to the hydraulic fan and I am sutprised to see that the fan blade and the hydraulic motor spindle have decided to part ways. I can't even see a keyway on the shaft nor feel one on the far side. The hole in the blade looks like the keyway has been ground through. These are definitely the shiniest parts in the bay right now. Pics might be sideways, couldn't prerotate them from my phone.

Coachnet wants to tow it and Newell says it probably isn't a roadside job but I really don't want to tow.

Luckily Tom and Richard gave been speaking and recommend letting it cool a bit and then seeing how far I can get before the temp gets critical again. Ah, memories of childhood and a 14 hour stop and go drive to go 120 miles in an overheating 1984 Thunderbird. But this time I have AC, a couch and a fridge!

Luckily I make it 20 miles before getting to 218/220 again. Waited for 180 again and then made another 20 miles.

Hopefully one more leg will get me the last 22 miles to Santa Ross where theres a 24 hour shop and a few campgrounds.

More to come.... But probably slowly....