I have a 1995 ford explorer v6 4.0l engine with well over 100k miles on it. I had to replace the head gaskets recently, which sucked. But now I have a HUGE PROBLEM. The damn thing doesn't want to start:

When I go to start the car, it turns on for 3 to 5 seconds and then dies. When it dies, it sounds like a dry fart. I know that I need spark plugs, wires, etc., but it ran just fine without them. I was drigving it, shut it off, and now it won't turn back on.When I turn it on, and it runs for 3 to 5 seconds, I piush the clutch in and the idle jumps to like 4500 rpms... and then it dies.

So, I decided to investigate. HERE IS MY MAIN POINT OF CONFUSION. On the right hand side of my engine (passenger side) there is a little piece connected to the block that looks like a valve stem to a tire. i don't know what it is or where it goers... all I know is that soemthing went there and that there are empty plastic guides for a hose to go. My friends say the cars problem may be with a missing vacuum hose... all I know is that I have a valve stem sticking out of my engine that I assume is supposed to have a hose to run somewhere? there are guides for the hose. Myt manual sucks... is this the PCV valve. Help mke out people, I am too damn broke for a mechanic.

 

Sounds like the fuel manifold schader valve.. If, so,, it would have had a plastic cap screwed on top.. Look like this area?

[IMG]local://upfiles/6756/451755E60A8243CA990111207304B615.gif[/IMG]