2.3 duratech idle issue (replaced pcv) still rough

[88gt302]

working on the car for a friend, and im now stumped. its a 03 focus 2.3 duratech auto, 120k and not well maintained sadly. pcv hose was shot, so replaced the valve and hose a few days back, easy enough. idle is still horrible and intermittent. checked for vacuum leaks, no avail. cleaned iab, maf, tb, ran seafoam, still rough. better than is was before pcv replacement, but still not drivable. there was massive buildup in the manifold from the blowby, and i cleaned as much as i could while i was in there. cleared the CEL and fired her up, it hasnt turned back on but its not holding idle and when revved its sputtering and cant hold a consistent rpm. possible TPS? IAC? or even those vacuum solenoids on the manifold? i dont want to staert replacing everything and still have it not clear up so any help would be appreciated

[Sponsor]

[oblivion2kx]

try replacing the intake manifold gasket, throttle body gasket and clean the maf

[88gt302]

manifold and tb gasket were replaced when i removed it to get to the pcv, and i cleaned the maf twice.

[Duratec 2.3]

What did your cel say? I had the same issue and it ended up being my coil pack on cylinder 1 misfiring, replaced the coil and no more misfiring and smooth idling

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[whynotthinkwhynot]

Buildup in manifold is not due to anything more than the oil breather.

Do you have a code scanner so you can give us the DTC? That would be helpful. There are a lot of things that can cause idle issues. You've worked on a few possibilities. Have you removed the air filter? I know it should be a lifetime filter, but it is possible that it could be damaged or clogged due to damage.

[88gt302]

im working on getting a scanner tonight, ill know what the exact code is then. i guess they took it to a shop and the shop told them the pcv needed to be replaced, and was gonna charge $1200. So thats what i replaced, now im stuck fixing the issue. I'll check the air filter tomorrow just to eliminate it. i'll try and post a pic of the gunk in the manifold, it was absolutely ridiculous how bad it was.

[88gt302]

[GreySkorpion]

You sure you are getting enough fuel? Replace the fuel filter and to check the operation of the 2 imrc solenoids, switch their position. My right side on was bad and several people say they aren't even sure what the left one controls. Goodluck.

[whynotthinkwhynot]

Like I said, it's the oil breather that does it, and because of the design of the manifold a lot gets stuck in the lower part, then it oozes up because that's how the air goes. Some people install a filter or catch can in the oil breather for this.