Dan,
The engine is V6. Yes, I certainly was using a/c. However, as I mentioned before, the engine was not hot before the incident - just in lower upper third of the grean on the gauge. 4500 rpm melted the pump - or, as I learned from the many posts you referred to, probably blown the impellers (dealer used definition "melted" though, and added that it happens pretty often, because WP is plastic).
OK, even if impellers cracked (the only visible leakage was from the coolant tank cap though), why would that happen? I have a pretty limited knowledge in car mechanics, but I guess the cause for such a damage should be increased pressure in the cooling system. If so, the increases pressure build up should have been caused by inefficient cooling, right. What would cause that? Moreover, Failed cooling fan for example. What if the the new fuse that they replaced did not do it's job? Actually, I noticed that after mechanic in Atlanta replaced WP, the cooling fan starts much more often than before, even on a freeway after driving in conjested traffic. The mechanic did not mention doing any tune ups on the fan though (!) I recall hearing something about the design of the coolant tank cap that allows exceeding pressure to escape.Do I make sense here?
All I am trying to figure out is if I go to the dealership next time in an attempt to find out the truth about why the WP failed, what should I ask them to check? Would computer check for example show anything? Could radiator be having too much mineral deposits? etc, etc...
Thanks for your attention.
