Any tips for Subaru Crosstrek or Imprezza engine detail?

**jem7sk** · 01-13-2015, 11:11 AM

I have a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek and Imprezza. It is the same car with the Crosstrek having a suspension package different than the Imprezza along with different trim. I want to detail the engine and was curious if anyone has experience with washing these engines? I used to clean my Corvette engine all the time and it was easy and fun. Always came out great with no issues. But my Volvo and Xterra always had electrical issues after I cleaned them so I stopped.

**Angus** · 01-13-2015, 11:25 AM

I've also have an Impreza and haven't taken the engine cleaning plunge on it yet. Any shared tips/ ticks info would be great!

**KMdef9** · 01-13-2015, 12:21 PM

I'd clean it like every other one.

**jaxtalonturbo** · 01-13-2015, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by jem7sk

I have a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek and Imprezza. It is the same car with the Crosstrek having a suspension package different than the Imprezza along with different trim. I want to detail the engine and was curious if anyone has experience with washing these engines? I used to clean my Corvette engine all the time and it was easy and fun. Always came out great with no issues. But my Volvo and Xterra always had electrical issues after I cleaned them so I stopped.

I don't see how these are different than any other engine. If you're having electrical issues afterwards, you're getting way too much water somewhere you shouldn't. Stay away from coil packs, fuel injector harness plugs, MAP and MAF sensors, and other major connections. If you're super worried about things like this, just put plastic and tape over these, but I usually don't ever have an issue even when not doing so. I use a combination of steam and the Tornador to clean engine bays. Under the bay where the oil pan/crossmember/transmission/undercarriage is I will use oven cleaner and a pressure washer.

**jem7sk** · 01-13-2015, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by KMdef9

I'd clean it like every other one.

Originally Posted by Angus

I've also have an Impreza and haven't taken the engine cleaning plunge on it yet. Any shared tips/ ticks info would be great!

Angus, why don't you clean yours first and let me know how it goes

My Corvette you could soak and blast it with water with no issues at all. With the other two I had to change spark plugs, wires and coils if it even got damp around those areas.

**Mantilgh** · 01-13-2015, 09:56 PM

I have 01 Forester and 02 WRX(bought new). Have cleaned the engines at least once a year and never have had any problems.

I spray everything down with diluted APC, then scrub and wipe, then rinse. If you have access to compressed air, blow all junk out from under the intake manifold(yours is probably covered with plastic) first before you get it wet.

One thing I cover is the altinator(some say you don't even have to do it) with plastic grocery bag on both, and the exposed aftermarket intake on the WRX. Never had any issues. I do not presure washer, but do use strong stream of water to rinse. I have applied more dielectric grease to every electrical conection that I can find though, but they are already packed with it from the factory.

Did clean my old Isuzu Amigo engine with the coin op car wash pressure sprayer not long after I got it. Had to sit there for a couple of hours before it would fire up again. Not fun, but no real problems. Had it for probably anther 10 year after that.