[Mechanicapped]

1995 4.3L 'W' Vortec

166,785 miles

Replaced:

spider assembly
nut kit
manifold gasket

This eliminated the fuel smell and improved gas mileage from about 10 mpg to about 18 mpg. Since it still missed out a lot, we went further and replaced:

spark plugs

This created a big problem. The 10 mpg gas mileage returned, and while it didn't miss out as it had before, it did then start missing out from 0 – 20 mph. The code at that point was P0302, Cylinder 2.

We then replaced:

wires
cap
rotor
air filter
fuel filter

No change in gas mileage. It still misses out from 0 – 20 and the code is still P0302. Now, it seems that the fuel smell has returned.

I have no idea where to go next. Is it possible that a plug isn't gapped properly? Could one of the plugs be defective? Does something need to be cleaned? Could something have caused the spider assembly to go bad again? Did the truck hear that I am waiting on a sizeable federal income tax refund?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.