I've spent a fair bit of time recently searching the knowledge found on FTE for various repairs, and found many great and helpful minds wandering these posts.
So I decided to join your illustrious number so that A) I could give back a little, and provide whatever help my (limited) experience might lend and B) because I have gotten myself into quite a little pickle and am badly in need of some direction...
My 2001 Escape (no, we didn't do much research before we bought it) has had this pesky chugging idle issue, only when cold, that I've been working on for the last few months. No CEL, still driveable, but annoying.
I replaced the idle air control valve, tested the mass air flow sensor by unplugging it while the car was running, replaced the throttle position sensor (which actually cleared up some other issues it was having), and my vacuum hoses for the most part look good.
So I decided to replace the engine coolant temperature sensor, which would have been easy enough, except that the guy at the auto parts store told me I didn't need to empty my coolant system first...
Now, I've heard from several people that he was right and there is no reason that should have needed to be done, but let me tell you, as soon as I took out that old sensor, it was niagra falls... all over the inside of my engine compartment. Fortunately, the ECT is located about the dead middle of the compartment, and from what I can tell most of the wiring, etc. is above it.
So, because the part that I bought was aftermarket and didn't fit (I eventually ended up returning it and buying a different brand), I ended up emptying my coolant tank all over the garage floor.
Eventually got everything put back together, refilled the coolant, and went to fire her up and... nothing.
Oh sure, the starter turns over, and we have juice running the electrics, but the engine itself is as quiet as a winter day, except for a few feeble kicks that it gives from time to time. Like it's trying really hard and just not making it.
So... any ideas? I can't stress enough that there was no hint of any sort of problem before this, other than that rough/chugging idle before the engine warmed up.
There is however still a lot of coolant pooling in various areas. Because I can't clean it out. Because everything is crammed in there like a can of sardines. Most of them look structural though, engine mounts etc.
Thanks for any help.

 

Actually... let me amend that. After cranking on it a few more times it finally did start. However the rough/chugging idle is worse than ever and I stalled out in less than 30 seconds. And I've noticed that it does seem to be particularly bad after letting it sit for awhile, especially if the battery has been unplugged for portion of that.
So woot! I didn't break the car. But jeez, what about this idle? O2 sensors?
It purrs after 20 miles of driving or so, no issue whatsoever.

 

I'm sure you'll find some answers here. Welcome to the site!
Torklift Sheryl