..WW
engine wash
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 395
Likes: 6
From: woodstock ga
engine wash
washed the engines today in the 03, 89, and my 02 yukon with purple power and pressure washer, wow they look like new! i think i know the answer to the question, but, what will happen if i do this to the 93 LT1 with opti?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,383
Likes: 4
It is possible to wash w/o spraying high pressure water at the opti. It is also possible that your opti's seal is intact like new.
You are the only one who can judge your skills and lay hands and eyes on your opti.
You are the only one who can judge your skills and lay hands and eyes on your opti.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 395
Likes: 6
From: woodstock ga
i cant even see the opti, never mind seeing if the seal is still there. could they bury this thing any deeper. i have never replaced one but i am sure that my turn is coming, dont want to speed up the process. but i like my engines CLEAN. 52k on the 93, and running great.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Bartonville Illinois
I cleaned my 93 with a power washer once. I wish I had ordered a new distributor in advance. From the looks of the waterline left inside, I would say it got about 1/3 full.
I've seen three different types of gaskets used on these opti caps but I don't know if any would keep 1700 psi from penetrating.
The opti is actually a high tech design and a good idea, but they should have checked to see if an opti could swim before throwing it in the pool.
I've seen three different types of gaskets used on these opti caps but I don't know if any would keep 1700 psi from penetrating.
The opti is actually a high tech design and a good idea, but they should have checked to see if an opti could swim before throwing it in the pool.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
My feeling is that it's fine as long as you are prudent w/the wand. I did my 92 several years ago when I bought it. I had the engine warm first (idea being to help w/evaporation), and I was careful to keep the spray aimed rearward, and water from flowing down the front of the motor. When done, it wouldn't start.
After sitting for a few hours it started and ran, but not under load. I let it idle to get it back up to temp again, then put it in the garage for a couple days. After a day or two of sitting, it ran fine.
It did get wet. It did stop running. It did dry out. Now 3 years later, I'm replacing it. Related?... IDK, but doubt it.
After sitting for a few hours it started and ran, but not under load. I let it idle to get it back up to temp again, then put it in the garage for a couple days. After a day or two of sitting, it ran fine.
It did get wet. It did stop running. It did dry out. Now 3 years later, I'm replacing it. Related?... IDK, but doubt it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 395
Likes: 6
From: woodstock ga
Good replies, thanks to all. some are summarized as a fair warning to those who will use water. some are examples of experiences with water.
i have decided to try the solvent and MINIMAL water method. i want to take the car to the opening show next Saturday. i may not have time to get this one ready.
i have decided to try the solvent and MINIMAL water method. i want to take the car to the opening show next Saturday. i may not have time to get this one ready.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,072
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City OK
St. Jude '10
I wrapped the front of my engine with a dry towel and then covered with a garbage bag before pressure washing mine. Never got a drop on the Opti or water pump for that matter. Granted the front of the engine wasn't cleaned either. Also, keep in mind there are a lot of electrical connections that don't like water besides the opti.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 403
Likes: 5
From: West Palm Beach FL
I have used GUNK to get the grease off....and then used Scrubbing Bubbles (bathroom cleaner) with GREAT results......with a low pressure rinse off.......just a regular garden hose sprayer ! ! ! After it dried, I use the spay on foamiing tire stuff to make it all shine. Once you do it, its easy to maintain.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 202
From: Trinity FL
I usually take compressed air and blow everything off including all the little nooks and crannies. Then I cover the engine from the throttle body to the front of the car with a plastic drop cloth or tarp, effectively covering the front of the engine and intake components. Then just spray on your favorite degreaser all over the engine bay (I like tide laundry detergent in a spray bottle, it cleans aluminum really well, and smells good!) Then carefully hose off keeping the hose pointed toward the rear of the engine as stated above. Just try to keep any direct water from hitting the front of the engine and you are golden. Then just go in and do the rest with a rag. All of this takes 15 minutes or so. Start her up and let it dry for 5 minutes or so. Then use tire shine for a little detail if you wish. I like my stuff dry to the touch as it collects less dirt and grime.
Always does the trick for me on my 94 LT-1!
Always does the trick for me on my 94 LT-1!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,060
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
You can use water, just stay away from the area where the opti is located. Use a leaf blower to dry then engine afterwards. Jeez, if the opti was that sensitive to water, there'd be a lot of C4s sitting on the side of the road every time it rained out! Direct soaking an opti with water is what gets most people in trouble!
Last edited by bac22; Apr 18, 2012 at 09:30 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Riverside County Southern California
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I washed my 92 Vert many times and never had an issue. The only time the opti was soaked with water and die was crossing a bridge with an overflowing river. It died and started after two attempts.
Just dont direct the sprayer directly to the non-vented opti.
Just dont direct the sprayer directly to the non-vented opti.
