Low idle and stall after used motor swap?

Tiny
NEALTROYER
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 FORD BRONCO
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Had an auto shop install a used motor. Their work was atrocious. Loose engine ground wires, nothing attached as it should, battery terminals held together with wood screws, kinked radiator hoses, loose starter wires, no engine brackets attached, the list goes on. I didn't notice any of that until I got home. Ran fine on the ½ mile drive home from the shop. Next drive I experienced chugging while driving, rough idle that leads to stall, and antifreeze shooting up through reservoir cap (kinked hose). Limped it home and started researching. Tried starting it and no power. Replaced starter solenoid and it fired up, but the alternator caught on fire after about 5 minutes of idle. Replaced alternator, ran fine for a sec then started running codes. Multiple. Fixed multiple plugs and other possible causes for poor idle. Still having the same problems. According to codes, it’s not misfiring. I have replaced the following in the last 2 weeks after researching codes it ran (I don't remember exact ones). Ignition Control Module, ECT, O2 Sensor, Idle Air Control Valve, MAP Sensor, cleaned throttle body, MAF. Seems to idle better but still low and eventually shuts off. All vacuum components seem fine. Do you think I may need to do a hard reset on ECU by hooking positive to negative battery cables? Or maybe the distributor, fuel pump or PCV valve? They were supposed to put new plugs in; however, I don't trust that and need to check those as well. Any other thoughts! I'm losing my mind.
Tuesday, August 30th, 2022 AT 10:32 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
I would start with a compression test. These guides should help you see what's going on and give us a jumping off point:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Tuesday, August 30th, 2022 AT 6:13 PM

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