Replaced valve cover gasket now idles rough and stalls out

[explorerguy94]

I have a 93 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4. I replaced the valve cover gasket on the drivers side and I pulled the upper intake off to get to it. I hook everything back up right and have checked vacuum lines and clamped them on but it is running rough and I have to keep gas on for it to stay running. I can hear a sound from the front intake somewhere sounds like a vacuum leak. I unplugged maf sensor and it idles high but stays running so I left it off to drive it but it will cutt off after idling a few minutes. It has a smell like its running rich. I changed the plugs when I got it 2 months ago. Its was runing fine until I did this. It was leaking a little oil on the side of the valve cover and I used some gasket maker from advance cause a tube was cheaper than gasket set plus I used it it on the upper intake gasket before I put it back on. I gonna buy some electrical cleaner from radio shack when they open and clean maf and iac and see if that fixes it. Any suggetions what else it could be?

 

[ExploringNC]

Recheck vacuum lines, check line going to fuel regulator, gotta have all vacuum lines connected or it will not run properly. Chech PVC valve see if it runs better with it removed.

 

[Stans92Sport]

I know it seems like a basic thing but just comming off a total engine rebuild myself Isuggest you check your plugs to make sutre you have them connected to the coil correctly. I had 4,5 crossed and mine ran like you just described.

 

[explorerguy94]

I think I may have it fixed. I tightened the intake nuts and other bolts I took I took off some were loose. The vacuum leak was coming from a hose under the front intake and breather hose that goes to some sensor. I thought I fixed that yesterday but the hose I put on it was too big so I put a smaller one on and a clamp on it. I let it run a while and it didn't cut off. Its idleing a little above 500 rpms. I noticed it idles up and seems to run better if I take the breather hose off the front intake. I checked the filter its not dirty. I put that in 2 moths ago when I got this truck. The plugs and wires were in correct firing order. It makes a whining air sucking sound around the top middle passenger side. Maybe I need to redo the intake gaskets. Its rattling too somewhere on the passenger side back of the engine between the a/c line on the firewall and the electronic ignition box.

 

[explorerguy94]

I thought I had it fixed but it was still cutting off. I found out the problem was my MAF sensor. Thanks for the replies!