I find this sort of funny. What would have been better is if he had put in a new engine on the side of the road.
It's kind of like your car dies right in front of AutoZone and you start buying 2-ton jacks and put it on blocks and rent out an engine lift to do a complete overhaul.
When my water pump died I knew it was about to because of the noises the pulley was starting make. But I�d say it�s better not to take a risk because unlike you I was stuck in the rain during a hurricane and was not having a good time waiting on AAA to come save me at 3AM in the morning.
