97 4.0 No start after tune-up

[out cast]

1997 XLT was bought running rough like a misfire (was told bad gas) so I figured I'd do a tune up.

Replaced
-Air filter
-Spark plugs
xWires looked decent
-Drained fuel from tank (assumed it was old, put $10 premium in it) new fuel filter
Cleaned
-MAF
-IAC
-TB

Figured I'd check firing order as it was still bucking and idling 1200ish roughly, found plug wire 2 royally F'd. Replaced them.

Found the Radio noise suppressor (?) wire by the coil cut, attempted twist it back together but not enough wire sticking out of the black plug. I stupidly thought it was a hot wire for some reason (red wire in?) so i ran it to Batt+ and it made the relays come to life and was running but wouldn't shut off by key until I disconnected it. With no hot to coil, no relays come on with key, just cranks.

Help, Whats my next steps??

 

[out cast]

Got it running but still fighting a rough idle...

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

IAC may be bad or you may have a vacuum leak. With it running, unplug the IAC, if the idle drops to like 500 rpm, then it's working and there shouldn't be any vacuum leaks. If it doesn't affect idle, you have a vacuum leak somewhere. Plug it back in and tap on the IAC while it's running with a small hammer or something. If the idle keeps changing as you tap on it, the IAC is bad.

Unplug the MAF while it's running, if it smooths out, then suspect the MAF of failure.

Clean the IAT (intake air temp sensor), IIRC it's on the intake tube with a pair of wires going to it.

If it has the fuse and relay box under the hood with the mini relays and fuses and all, check to see if any of the mini fuses are blown or corroded


Sent from my kite using a trebuchet

 

[out cast]

Iac cleaned and unplugged, almost stalled. Tested electronically and is good. Doesn't change with tapping.

New coil pack, tested good.

All fuses are good.

MAF tested good electronically.

Compression is highest 142-124 all within range.
Dry compression test gave me
#1 140
#2 138
#3 142
#4 136
#5 128
#6 124

 

[out cast]

Unplugged MAF while running, no rpm change. No change to miss.
Unplugged TPS while running, no rpm change. No change to miss.
Revved with MAF unplugged, almost dies at sudden WOT.
Revved with TPS unplugged l, no change at sudden WOT.