I've had the car not start 2 times in the last month. Each time, I've let it sit for 15 minutes and then it starts, but the check engine light then comes on. I then remove the engine cover and reinstall it and the check engine light goes off. Since about 2 weeks prior to the no start issue, when I put the transmission into neutral (I have a manual) it hangs at 1,500 rpm for about 5 seconds and then drops back down. The high hanging idle is also a new issue. Does anyone have any idea what might be occurring?

A little further background, my valve covers (the small upper valve covers) are leaking and need to be removed and resealed and reinstalled. I have not replaced the crank shaft position sensor, nor the camshaft position sensor, and have not re-soldered the RCM yet. I will be tackling these 3 fixes in the spring, but I don't think that these symptoms match any of those experienced with those issues.

Thanks for any help!
Jeff