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1999 Ford Crown Vic.,V8, 4.6L, C.O.P (Coil On Plug) (non-police pkg): All four times that I have cleaned my engine, it has resulted in some sort of repair issue. Twice, a coil went out (a different coil, each time; #4 then #8), and the other two times there were issues of sputtering / poor acceleration, etc., for reasons unknown... but those last two went away after driving for several miles. Though the obvious answer would be to cover &/or avoid the coils, I don't see a practicaal way to do that, without covering, and therefore leaving relatively large areas dirty.
I've been told to not use a strong stream of water-- only a "mist", to rinse-off degreaser / foam or whatever cleaner. I did that (misting) each time but, you have t "mist" for a long time to get ALL of the cleaner off!
Somewhere, a while back, I read of a method that was described as, something to the effect of: on a hot/warm engine (turned off), spray engine with Windex. Close hood for 3-5 minutes then mist enngine w/ water. Then, spray entire eng w/ Armor All and close the hood & let sit for 3-5 min. Then, windex, water, Armor All, again, close hood and let sit for 2-3 hrs.
After that, wipe excess Armor All off, let engine run 'til warm, again--'til dry and spray windex again, letting it sit for 3-5min.; Armor All it again 3-5-- then, repeat, one last time, and let eng run 'til warm = THE END.
Sounds good enough to me HOWEVER, I'm still concerned about the water &/or the two other liquids getting into places they shouldn't be! Any suggestions?
Engines are not designed to be cleaned on a regular basis. Yes they do get dirty and water gets on them but when this happens the engine is hot and the water gets evaporated instantly.
When I clean an engine I use Foamy Engine Brite and follow the directions. I just use the normal pressure from the hose and stay away from electrical connections.
Since your engine is a 99 I am guessing you had parts failing or close to failing and the water just made it worse. Big reason why I dont clean engines unless it is needed to find a leak.
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Mark V
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a very very safe method...is spray alittle simple green....then use a rag in a bucket of water...and just wipe everything down. Takes longer - but you dont have to worry about anything!
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WATERLESS Engine Clean/Shine Method? 
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