Replaced manifold gaskets now won't run

[a3vr]

I'm new to the forum but have been browsing it ever since I acquired a 99 Explorer Sport 4x4 a few weeks ago. It has had a cold weather start issue for the last year (that I know of) and a PO174 code so I decided to do a tune up and replace the manifold gaskets. I replaced the fuel filter yesterday (it was pretty bad) and yes its installed the right direction. I ran it for a few minutes after and had no issues. When I replaced the gaskets I also replaced the spark plugs and wires (a mistake I know) I should have done one thing at a time to help isolates the issue. Also I didn't replace the back to passenger plugs yet because it was getting late and i didn't feel like pulling the inner fender at the time. So 4 plugs are replaced. The front passenger plug was cross threaded and I'm a bit concerned about it but I'm not sure that's my problem. I have new wires on and they are in the correct order.

I was also planning on replacing the coolant and Haynes said i needed to do that to replace the lower manifold. Why I have no clue after looking at it, but I had already drained it. Since the engine isn't running I'm sure the coolant hasn't cycled through the system yet.

After replacing everything I started it up and it ran very poorly. As if it was down a few cylinders. I turned it off and noticed I forgot one of the vacuum hoses on the drivers side. I fixed that then started it again. Still didn't run good. There was some smoke coming from the passenger side around the spark plugs but it was hard to say from where. It could have been residue on the exhaust. I then pulled the spark plug that I had issues with and noticed the electrode was pushed it. Now if anything I was worried that it hadn't been put in far enough due to the threads (which I chased before putting the plug it, it was the only way it would thread). The plug still looked ok so I re-gaped it and put it in. Went to go start the truck and nothing. It cranks but doesn't fire. I figured I had somehow flooded it so I gave it full throttle and one time it fired up but i was turning the key off so I killed it, bad luck. I have checked all the connections and I cant find anything. I left the battery disconnected for an hour or so, went back and still nothing. I checked the replaced plugs and they look fine. It seems to turn over at a normal speed. The only thing that might be odd is that I hear what sounds like an air leak every few cranks. But its quick. Also the check engine light goes off when I crank it, so it shouldn't be the CKS.

What I can't figure out is why it started twice but now I get nothing. Any one able to help? Thanks

 

[a3vr]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=A0Vm8UCTJJU

Here's a sound clip of me trying to start it today. The background noise is the charger.

Also I just put a timing light on it to see if there was any spark and didn't get anything.

TPS checks out ok
Fuel pump runs for a couple of seconds when you turn the key like normal
Fuel pressure is good

Does not start when MAF is disconnected

 

[a3vr]

Checked the fuel pressure and its good. That hissing you hear I think is the fuel injectors. I noticed when checking the fuel pressure that when it hisses the pressure momentarily dropped to 0, so that's not air leaking from a cylinder.

There are no codes or faults when scanned.

It still doesn't start. I've checked all the connections and am getting nothing.

UPDATE: I got it to start. I played with the connections to the coilpack and it started. It definitely idles better now and doesn't have the sporadic reving at start but I still have that sound and I think its coming from the #1 cylinder (passenger front). This is the one with the cross threaded spark plug. I cant really tell if its running on 5 or 6 so I'm not sure if its the spark plug hole or not but there was no air coming out from that area and it definitely seamed to be coming from the intake/injector area. I didn't replace the injectors but is there a chance I somehow dislodged it or can it be that the intake didn't seat properly or cracked? Any input?

The only other thing that was interesting was I found this on the ground.

Anyone know where it goes?

 

[smcgee1979]

looks like its the trans fill tube. good luck getting it back in if it is.

 

[a3vr]

looks like its the trans fill tube. good luck getting it back in if it is.

I'll check it out. Thanks!

 

[a3vr]

Looks like there was a timecert or helicoil in the spark plug hole that broke. I used my phone video camera to take a look and you can see a broken insert. I've done alot of work on cars but this is one job I'm scared to do on the vehicle. Any suggestions on where to go get it done?