[burner31]

Wow, what a great experience, maybe not on the day it happened, but in 20 - 30 years it could be a grand Grandpa story.
Others have covered most every problem you listed, I would add lube every fitting, grease every bearing.

I had my windshield covered in hot liquid the other day also, and stranded me on the side of the road (my 1st breakdown) Mama said the radiator cap did not look like it was on all the way, I told her it looked fine, not two minutes later it flew off and the hot water came gushing after it (thank God for windshields)
Never did find that damn cap, my Son brought me the spare and some water.

Moral of story...Also check the little things
And listen to Mama