Can a car fix itself? TELL YOUR STORY!

I was on the Hot Rod Power Tour in 96 and the waterpump shaft seal on the Dart started sprayin' all over the engine compartment.Found the closest auto part store, picked up a new pump and said "Lets change it at the motel tonight".By the time we got there it stopped leakin'.(Yes it had water still in the rad) Cleaned everything up and said"Lets chance it". That pump is still on ...