Initial Start Rough and Complete Stop

[syn-]

Well.. I am looking and searching through older forums now for leads, but this problem seems like it could be a number of things. Let's start by saying '97 explorer sport, runs ok, when I hit the gas I can feel it sputter a little, no problems still responds. Now if I am at a stop light, the truck feels like dog panting after running across a field. This started a few nights ago, I didn't have a chance to fill her up and put about $5 to get me around, till I could get to the bank in the a.m. I dropped some marvel's mystery oil yesterday, which seems to help it when I floor it, but the rough Idle tends to make the truck feel like its shaking more then it should. My first thoughts, fuel filter, plugs, and plug wires? also in the mornings, when it trys to idle it will do rev spikes, some cause it to shut off or come close, I usually have to keep my foot on the pedal till it warms up, also it does reek of raw gas for the most part.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Syn, I'd first clean the IAC and the MAF sensor. Do a search on here and you'll find mucho info on how to do this.

Then I'd replace the plugs and wires, if they're old. Maybe the fuel filter.
This should make it idle and run much better, assuming there's no CEL lit or codes present.....