Won`t stay running after it warms up not overheating

I would take it by any auto parts store to have them pull codes from the computer. They should be able to tell you the problem. However, I would suspect the IAC (idle air controller) to be faulty.

sounds like either fuel pump weak or fuel filter plugged

DS THIS PROCEDURE
Here are some of the causes of surges, stalls at stops, slow idle speed, erratic idle speed, rough idle and engine hesitation (and other problems), it is in most cases the idle speed control air-bypass valve and or throttle valve and upper intake, these area's get full of gunk and combustion residue over the miles and cause idle issues (stalls, low idle) like yours, Get a can of intake cleaner from any local parts store, not carb spray, intake cleaner, it is made by a company called CRC, remove the air intake hose to the engine, hold the idle high so the engine won't stall, then spray the can of cleaner into the intake while keeping the engine running, use at least 1/2 the can, shut down the engine and disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, then restart and complete a number of mixed driving cycles, town, freeway, stop and go etc., after a few days the problem will go away as the system will relearn to the clean intake.

Check your EGR or your Idle control Valve. This can cause a problem with your irratic idling

Common issue at the shop (i'm a ford technician), here is what I do to correct it.
Here is the most common cause of surges and stalls at stops and low erratic idle speed and rough idle, it is the idle speed control air-bypass valve and throttle valve (IAC for short), they get full of gunk over the miles and cause idle issues (stalls, low idle) like yours, Get a can of intake cleaner from any local parts store, not carb spray, intake cleaner, it is made by a company called CRC, remove the air intake hose to the engine, hold the idle high so the engine won't stall, then spray the can of cleaner into the intake while keeping the engine running, use at least 1/2 the can, shut down the engine and disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, then restart and complete a number of mixed driving cycles, town, freeway, stop and go etc., after a few days the problem will go away as the system will relearn to the clean intake.

i know this may sound stupid but if your battery is old or a little weak on this vehicle the idle air control solenoid will act speradicley hunting for were it should be and the vehicle will stall.replace battery

I have a 1985 f-150 that had a simular problem,and found a hole in one of the vacuum lines. I'm not saying it will work.but check all your vacuum lines for breakage and brittleness.All it takes is a pinhole in the vacuum lines to fowel up the whole system.Check to see if the carb is tight.

How many miles, has the timing belt ever been changed? (60,000-70,000 miles) when the belt gets near or over it's recommended change mileage it will get loose and cause the engine to run like it has a miss, mostly when cold, also u may need to do the following procedure, Escorts need this more than most other Ford cars
Here is the most common cause of surges and stalls and low idle, it is the idle speed control air-bypass valve and throttle valve (IAC for short), they get full of gunk over the miles and cause idle issues (stalls, low idle) like yours, Get a can of intake cleaner from any local parts store, not carb spray, intake cleaner, it is made by a company called CRC, remove the air intake hose to the engine, hold the idle high so the engine won't stall, then spray the can of cleaner into the intake while keeping the engine running, use at least 1/2 the can, shut down the engine and disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, then restart and complete a number of mixed driving cycles, town, freeway, stop and go etc., after a few days the problem will go away as the system will relearn to the clean intake.

Sounds like a bad IAC (idle air control valve/sensor) that controls your idle when going from throttle to idle. If bad your idle will act crazy and can cause stalls easily. Pretty sure that's it.

Here is the most common cause of surges and stalls, it is the idle speed control air-bypass valve and throttle valve, they get full of gunk over the miles and cause idle issues (stalls) like yours, Get a can of intake cleaner from any local parts store, not carb spray, intake cleaner, it is made by a company called CRC, remove the air intake hose to the engine, hold the idle high so the engine won't stall, then spray the can of cleaner into the intake while keeping the engine running, use at least 1/2 the can, shut down the engine and disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, then restart and complete a number of mixed driving cycles, town, freeway, stop and go etc., after a few days the problem will go away as the system will relearn to the clean intake.