Stock 03 Explorer Limited 4x4 - No Start

[strangeKRS]

My name is Keith and I have a 2003 X Limited 4x4 with a 4.0 SOHC. The truck has approx 156,000 miles and I am NOT the original owner.
The X is currently out-of-commission and I am trying to figure out the cause. While driving I lost power; it didn't quit running, but I couldn't drive Hi-way speed; I limped it off the road, then had it towed home. At first it would start and idle, but die as soon as the throttle was touched; Also heard what sounded like a vacuum leak while it idled. I Pulled plugs and found them way out of spec and worn to the nubs, so I replaced the plugs and wires. After that the truck wouldn't start until it sat for a day, then the same idle, but die. Tried cleaning the MAF and the IAC, with no improvement. Replaced the MAF - NO improvement. Changed the fuel filter, then after the first day, once it ran and died, it would no longer start. Pulled intake off, cleaned it and put new o-rings on. Same result - still hissing when it did idle for a minute. Checked fuel pressure, reading 62 PSI - only dropped 10 PSI over 2 hours. Checked again while cranking motor over and fuel pressure still read about 60 PSI with no spikes and only a few drops in pressure while cranking. Checked spark on a few plugs (both sides of motor) and it was strong and blue. Replaced Coolant temp sensor - NO change. EGR opens and closes when vacuum is applied.
Pulled plugs after no start and they are wet.
Pulled Fuel pump relay and cranked motor; it will start for a few seconds on the gas in the cylinders and fuel rail.

Does anyone have any input? I don't have a lot of money and really don't want to take it to the shop and have them throw parts at it hoping that it will fix the problem.
OH, and I am getting NO CODES. I only have a Scan tool, so little data there.

Now it will only start for a second, then die - and only if I hold the pedal to the floor

So:
2003 X 4.0 SOHC Limited 4x4 - Stock

Replaced:
Intake Gasket (O-Rings)
Plugs
Wires
Coolant Temp Sensor
MAF Sensor
Evac Hose to intake (Looked a little worn)- one of the canister purge valve lines
Fuel Filter

Cleaned:
Intake
Throttle
IAC
EGR

Has:
Fully Charged Battery
62 PSI Fuel Pressure
Good Blue Spark

PLEASE HELP

 

[SporadicThought]

Did you check the PCV? Mine had the clip break off that holds it in place. So now it pops out partway and hisses while driving. It is very difficult to start and I have to put my foot on the pedal to get 'er chugging. No codes. If you haven't located it before: the PCV is on the left (driver's side in US) side rear of the engine on the bottom of the valve cover. There is a hose that connects it higher up to the intake manifold. You can't see it at nearly any angle; so it can be a ***** to locate.
Fixing the PCV issue with a new valve cover did the trick for the most part. Unfortunately, I I'm still having minor startup issues, but I think it's an exhaust leak, as I can smell a lot of fuel in the exhaust.

 

[SporadicThought]

Did you check the PCV? Mine had the clip break off that holds it in place. So now it pops out partway and hisses while driving. It is very difficult to start and I have to put my foot on the pedal to get 'er chugging.
Fixing the PCV issue with a new valve cover did the trick for the most part. Unfortunately, I I'm still having minor startup issues, but I think it's an exhaust leak, as I can smell a lot of fuel in the exhaust