Massive Vacuum Leak

[Jakepr26]

I have a 2002 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L.

Today's project was simple: replace the Valve Cover Gasket, the Intake Manifold Gasket, and the Spark Plugs.

Known screwups: Accidentally swapped two Valve Cover Screws (upper thread with nut screw switched with bolt screw) and only cleaned the gasket ridges on the Valve Cover and Intake Manifold (did not clean their sister locations on the engine).

Current Issue: Rough start, rougher idle, lots of shaking and sputtering, dies abruptly, slightly eased when gas pedal pumped, No Check Engine Light, no extra parts, all connections (electrical , vacuum, bolt) appear to be correctly connected.

My theory: I have a massive vacuum leak. Can anyone assist me?

 

[Mark_88]

Howdy and welcome to TRS~!

This is most likely caused by something left off...a hose...that is involved with the intake somehow...or it could be that the firing order may be off...

Did you remove the plug wires to do this job?

the vacuum itself is restricted to the intake system and is not affected by things like the valve cover seal...on older 2.3s anyway...as you can run an engine without the valve cover in place usually...the oil tends to squirt everywhere...and dirt can enter the system...but it won't affect the vacuum...

The valve cover seal will need to be corrected once you figure out this problem...so check the plug wiring...maybe a sensor or EGR vacuum was left off...not familiar with the newer 2.3s but they are not much different in the way things work...

 

[Ranger4x4.0]

Fog the engine with starting fluid or something of that sort.