propertime262

Returning from a day out on the Mississippi River, I noticed my engine temp was low, 115 F. Checking other indication, oil press was strong but engine was running rich. Cautiously progressing back home at a slow, moderate speed i then noticed a different sound. It didn't seem to be an engine noise however it wasn't a normal operating sound. All engine indications remained constant and there wasn't a good place to beach so i proceeded until i found a better and safer place to check the problem. As we continuned, i did a driver shift and shifted passengers to the front. I reached down to lift the engine compartment door open and as the moment the door came open my feet were drenched in warm river water. Of course not understanding how the engine could keep running with that much spray i had to lift the door open again to validate the first time. Sure enough, my feet and legs got showered again, i wasn't imagining this. With a higher level of concern, i did a check of the bilge pumps. They were pumping hard and constant -- i was thankful i did a preseason check on those now workhorse pumps. We cautiously limped this way for about 3 miles or about 30 minutes until i could pull into a marina. We tied up and shutdown without further incident. When i opened the engine door, water was covering the lower crank pulley it was deep in there! Upon further inspection, i found the cracked hot water hose that leads to the on board hot water tank. The split was close enough to the end I was able to cut the end off and reattach it. The pumps drain all the water and the engine started back up immediately without hesitation. I was able to get back to our home marina without any further problems and all engine indications where normal. Question: What checks should be done on the engine after such a water washing event?

I had a similar problem. Found a small crack on underside of faucet in head where piping connected to the faucet. It was a very small drip, but enough over a couple days to cause a wet floor. Repair was a new faucet. I speculate one side of the faucet wasn't open during winterization and stress cracked the faucet assembly.