[OrrieG]

I would think not. Gently clean around it, duct tape it up and start cleaning, same with the top, you don't want to get water down in the column. I wouldn't use a pressure washer, just some engine cleaner if its really greasy, then Simple Green or similar and a stiff brush. If necessary you could use a wire wheel on a drill or die grinder for rust or really stubborn stuff. Same with blasting, don't want to get sand or ?? down in bearing or moving parts.