Plug wires and gaskets

[previanewb]

Hi all
I recently replaced my valve cover gasket to fix the small oil leak and during the process damaged one of the plug leads. After replacing the leads and completeing the repair I noticed two problems went away (besides the oil leak)
1- My van ran rough and stumbled during acceleration while the engine was cold,
2-and during normal driving the van would miss (almost like the ignition system was shutting down for a split second) during highway driving. This would happen for no reason and at random times??
I was surprised that a bad plug lead could cause this problem!

I also recently had the front struts replaced and other then difficulty removing frozen bolts and nuts the job was relatively easy including the under dash access. On my 91 awd the passenger side is accessed by removing one panel inside the glove box, and the drivers side by removing the panel under the steering column then the metal plate under it then the strut tower to dash brace. all this took me about 15 minutes.
Before you take apart your entire dash have a close look!!

Hope this info helps
Cheers

[drunken_panda]

The strut procedure is a good help. When cold, cracks in the wires can form, thus running rough. Also cracked wires can show problems under heavy load as in accerlating,