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I've read some threads regarding the dangers of pressure washing a TPI. Are there any abnormal risks degreasing and pressure washing a Crossfire engine?
No dangers pressure washing a TPI, no more than any other older engine with a distributor. Its the LT1 that isnt friendly to pressure washing. (92-96 engine)
With any car with a distributor, you just have to be careful not to get the distributor wet. Try not to hose down the electronics under the hood, otherwise youll be fine.
Ive got a tpi, and ive never had problems washing it.A good trick is to spray some Eagle etching wheel cleaner on all of the aluminum afterwards. :yesnod: :seeya
The only issue i ever had was i was told to let it run while i hosed it down. The paint on my valve covers did not agree and bubbles up in 3 spots i was pissed. Other than that wash it to your hearts content. I spray simple green, let it sit a few minutes the spray the s hit out of it.
Make sure your engine is cold before you spray any water on it. I use Simple Green and then rinse it off. It sounds crazy but I use my leaf blower to dry the engine connectors and blow water out of the nooks and crannies.
There are many ways to do the same thing. Here are some ideas for you:
Spray Gunk brand engine cleaner on a cool engine and let it sit about 5 or 10 minutes, per directions on the can. It is a good idea to cover any exterior areas with old towels or such, because some paint/polish combos can react.
Plastic wrap is great for this, too. Rinse it off using a water hose and remove any extra water. Then spran an entire can of w/ WD40 on the engine and all components. Allow this to sit and dry for about one half hour.
Never use a high pressure water spray and don't get too close to electrical
components. The older the car is, the better the idea to possibly cover and
black boxes, relays, etc. Plastic wrap and tin foil works well here, also
because it seals well and fits in tight areas.
When I bought my 96 you couldn't tell what color the motor was. I used a degreaser and then washed it down with a garden hose at the house. Next thing I used was some fantastic household spray on most of the plastic parts and then washed it down with a hose again. Used Mothers on the aluminum parts Never had a problem with it. :cool:
I did my 96 with degreaser at the car wash. I just stayed away from the front of the motor (opti). Brought it right home and left it running (hood open) while I dried and polished everything I could get to. Never a problem. :hurray: