Toyota Trucks: 94 4runner intake manifold

I recently purchased a 94 4runner (3VZE V6). I would like to start doing
my own tune-ups and general maintenance. I'd like to know how to remove
the intake manifold (for stupid stuff like the PCV valve). I've looked
it up in the repair manuals you find at AutoZone, but they are
worthless. I've debated whether to purchase some time on Toyota's
Technical Information System (http://techinfo.toyota.com/) to see if
they have detailed instructions. When they say to remove 800 different
things, I'd like to know where they are. Any ideas? Sites? Suggestions?
Much appreciated.

Nick

"Nick" <comNOSPAM> wrote in message
news:ix2Qb.11424$news.prodigy.com... 

I assume you are talking about the Air Intake Chamber (most people call it
the 'plenum') vs. the Intake Manifold. Yes, you must remove it to access
the PCV, the fuel delivery pipes, the valve covers, etc. It's a bit of
work, so I would wait for a good reason before I removed it. The PCV is
just a check valve and, as such, should last a long, long time (mine has
290K on it).

If you are going to do your own maintenance, purchasing the repair manual
would be the best investment you ever made. In fact, in my opinion, it's
pretty much a no-brainer. I can personally attest that the manual for the
3VZ-E is quite good. It is detailed, has nice illustrations and schematics
(including wiring and vacuum), and contains a great deal of technical specs.
Also, it is very accurate for the most part as I have only found a couple of
small errors in my copy. I looked over a couple of the Chilton books in a
bookstore just today for my 4Runner and, although they are pretty good,
there is no comparison to the Toyota shop manual.

Luther