I recently replaced the valve cover gasket because it was leaking. Other than the leak the truck ran ok. Now it randomly loses power. At first it would just happen for a few minutes and then run normal again. Today it happened for at least 15 minutes. Now the motor is rocking around under the hood and really noisy. Doesn't sound like a rod knock. Kinda makes a sucking noise, but not like a vacuum leak. I have no idea where to start. Spark plug wires are all connected. I'm at work, so haven't got a chance to check spark. Like I said, I'm not sure where to start, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Edit: 2.3l engine, 5 speed manual.

 

Howdee from FtWorth,Tx. did you dis-connect any harness plugs or anything to get v. cover off? make sure all grounds connected, and wireing harness plugs are tight, distributor(if any) is tight, vacumm hoses tight, etc. is it blowing black smoke out the tail-pipe? if so,,may be running rich, too much fuel injected(computor acting up?). check gas tank for water or other foreign matter,,clogged filters. hope this helps ya. Im not familiar with 4-cyl,,got a v-6 in my BII. mine does this at times,,just starts running crappy, shaking, its the v-6 nature maybe.

 

So after I got off work I made sure everything was plugged in, grounded, and tightened, started it up, and it seemed to run ok at first. After I started driving it it was making some noise and shaking again, but didn't lose any power. No black smoke, but after litening again I'm prety sure its a rod knocking. I'm going to get a second opinion before I start looking for a new motor. Its much too late to be working on cars and I have class in the morning so maybe I can find some time tomorrow afternoon. Thanks dfw