98 caravan 3.0 wont idle.

okay so a while ago, my moms caravan was overheating so i replaced the
thermostat. in the process i snapped one of the housing bolts and i didnt
have the tools to remove the remainder of the stud. so there it sat for
about 2 months until i purchased a propane torch and vice grips. the torch
wouldnt fit in that small space so i removed the distributor but i forgot
to mark the timing and i lost it completely. i finished installing the
thermostat and started working on the timing of the distributor.  we
finally got it running but now it runs for 3 seconds then dies at idle.
the weird thing is that when i go to start it, the engine turns over but
doesnt start. the second time i try and start it, in the middle of
cranking the engine will just stop abruptly like its jammed then start
spinning again and fire right up. then it starts to idle rough. i
unplugged the idle valve and it runs a bit better but then it runs very
rough and when i give it gas is sounds like theres a violent muffled
"CRUCKCRUCKCRUCK" inside the engine. i thought it could be the old common
plugged cat but i pulled it out and it was clean. i dont know what else it
could be, ive changed the plugs cap and rotor and still the same problem.
i even replaced the idle valve and it did nothing so i returned the part.
somebody please help me im running out of ideas. theres no check engine
lights and no codes. it runs but idles poorly when i unplug the map sensor
and tps and iac all at once but then it overheats.  

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