'99 2.2L p0301/idle help

'99 Rodeo S 2.2L, 150,000 miles, top end rebuilt at 130k.

I'm getting a p0301 error code - misfire cylinder #1 it seems.

Basic symptom is: slightly rough idle, otherwise not noticable while driving

I replaced the plugs, with autolites (all they had locally) that seemed to help for a little while.

CEL came on but then while driving it turned off on its own. Then it came back on a few days later. Same code. Seems like the problem is a bit sporatic.

I feel vacuum at the PCV hose, but plan on replacing the vacuum hoses as they are original.

My valve cover gasket leaks as a few of the plugs had oil on them, have replaced a couple times w/out much luck of fixing this issue, maybe they're cheap gaskets...

The wire set is a nice bosch set I replaced the originals when the head was redone at 130k.

valves self adjust on this engine.

Fuel filter, IMG? (the IMG is new as of 130k, should i check the nuts on this anyway?)

Anyway, any other ideas for me to look at to fix this? Thanks!

well i bought a fuel filter and some vacuum hose today, hope to install over the weekend. i'll post an update just in case there is ever another 2.2L user with a similar issue.

If this helps me out I'll let you know.

my intake manifold gasket is leaking, right up front near the #1 cylinder. go figure.... luckily have an extra gasket laying around.

any way to do this withOUT draining the coolant? 2.2L?

FWIW

I replaced the gasket, took an hour and 45 minute to get the intake manifold out, then 2 hours to put back with new gasket. Hopefully this one last longer than than, or at least as long, as the last one (20k)....

wonder what could have caused this one to fail? over torqued or ? Least it sounds and runs better now! :)

http://www.sierranature.com/leakingIMG.jpg