Water coming out of cylinder Head

[Chris G]

Hooked up a hose to raw water inlet and found water coming out of #4 spark plug threads. I am presuming a cracked head. What is my next course of action?

[Marian Claire]

I must ask why? Seems to be the second hose to intake problem in the last few days. If the engine is not running there is no exhaust gas to push the water out and keep it away from the cylinders. So if you have a blockage or a high spot in the exhaust system water will back up and enter thru the open exhaust valve. Or you may have a leak in the head gasket. Soak it with MMO. Dan S/V Marian Claire

[rigspelt]

Somewhere in the winterizing notes (can't find the reference right now) I read advice not to use garden hose pressure to cool the engine while running it on the hard. The rationale I think is that the hose pressure can overwhelm the exhaust, backfilling through the manifold into the cylinders, starting with #4 then #3.

[Baltimore Sailor]

Oh my yes. I believe the exhaust back pressure is no more than 1.5 psi, and any garden hose will overpower that. Put a length of hose into a bucket and let the pump draw from it, but never put spigot pressure to it.

[Marian Claire]

Just made the connection with your earlier post. Long day! Was any water coming out the exhaust? Are you starting the engine? Pull all the plugs and put in some MMO and hand turn the engine to spread the oil. Then you can deal with the problem. Keep us posted. Dan S/V Marian Claire

[Chris G]

Some additional info. I notice the freeze plug about an inch away from the #4 plug is loose and I was able to take it off with my fingers. Possible the water was coming from there. I will have to flush the cooling system, a lot of gunk in there. But I will also take all the advice that is given. I will keep you posted.