White deposits forming on front of engine

[saltygirl]

After running the engine for 2 hours (not running hot or rough), I noticed white, salty looking or calcium deposits on the front of the engine( the door under the steps) while I was doing the final clean before leaving her at the dock.  Any suggestions as to what the culprit could be? There was no water in the bilge and the rest of the engine looked fine( I looked from the aft cabin as well)
Thanks in advance!

[Stu Jackson]

Consider removing the companionway steps and take a closer look.  Most likely a good idea to look carefully at your raw water pump weep holes and gaskets.  Could be something simpler that just needs to be cleaned off.  The Critical Upgrades suggest looking at your engine when it's running as an important piece of maintenance.

[Noah]

What year boat and engine? MK I boats don't have a door under steps...

[KWKloeber]

Pics!! Everyone these days has a smartphone!

[saltygirl]

I cannot believe I did not take a picture..the boat is a 98 mkii

[Jim Hardesty]

saltygirl,

It's a help to all to add information to your signature.  Look what others have done.  The avatar is a nice touch also.
Just trying to help,
Jim

[Ron Hill]

Salty : On what part of the "front of the engine"??   Did you try a taste test?

A thought

[saltygirl]

I am a nurse and would never do that...hehe! 
Maybe I can talk my husband into trying that ;-)

[saltygirl]

Ron,
The white deposits are located on the lower part of the engine to the right of the alternator belt.
😀

[Ron Hill]

Salty : The oil pan?  the bottom of the engine block?  where the soil pan joins the block?
A picture would help.

A thought