Also I forgot to add that the 2.3L is a non-interference engine, thus the pistons won't bang the valves if the timing belt breaks or if a valve is hung open too long. Sounds like the $25 regulator is your problem. While you are there make sure your fuel injectors aren't leaking, they are prone to catch fire if the o-rings detriorate with age and start to leak...
Well here's tonights Update: Changed the Fuel Pressure Regulator and the Vacuum line that goes to it. (again) and cleaned the heavily carboned plugs again. Fired it up. Smooth as can be. Problem is resolved. Mind you - without the Motorcraft Plugs, wires, cap, or rotor. Still have to burn out the rest of the carbon in the engine, but that should be fairly easy now that it is not running so rich, and is idling correctly now. Thanks again everyone for all your help. Have a good one!!
Im glad we could be of some help. Once you get the excess carbon burned outta there are you gonna do another compression test and give us some more results? Glad you got things going good.
I'll likely pull another compression test at the end of the week and see where I stand. Likely the carbon will not all be gone, but hey, measuring progress is cool. Thanks again!
