Car barely runs after tune-up

TECH2020

MEMBER
2002 FORD ESCAPE
3.0L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
220,000 MILES

Hi,

My stepson is working on the vehicle listed above. It was running fair but needed a tune-up. He performed the work including the spark plugs and the additional work related to removing the intake manifold and using a new gasket. Most or all of the vacuum lines and plastic connectors were replaced. After the job was done the engine starts and seems fine but the car is barely derivable, it just want to shut off. He has double-checked to be sure the gasket he replaced has been installed correctly and the vacuum lines were connected as before. He does think there is a "hiss" coming from the engine that may not have been there before. Also, the wire harness near the manifold was/is very brittle and he is concerned about electrical issues. Has anyone had experience with these issues for this car? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, also a wiring diagram and picture of the vacuum connections would be helpful.

Thanks!

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Does the vehicle idle properly or does it have a misfire? Also, by chance do you have a live data scanner? If you do, let me know what the fuel trims are when it is running (short term fuel trims specifically).

Now, most commonly, the PCV hose will crack and leak or even the EGR. I attached a pic of both components. Check them first.

If he is hearing a hissing sound, that indicated there is most likely a vacuum leak. I can confirm that if you can provide the fuel trims as indicated above. Otherwise, here is a link that shows how to locate a vacuum leak. I would start by checking that first.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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