Too true about the valve there 'LT. The paper gasket it was set with from the factory has seized to the intake. Note I said a tap with a screwdriver. The plastic handle side, and it was *very* gentle. I could not for the life of me just pluck it off for some reason. But when she came off, clean-up was easy. Just a few bits of crud and gunk that washed immediately away after a brushing out with the kiddie-sized toothbrush.
I am assuming that when you say throttle blade, you mean the "butterfly" that the throttle cable and cruise control attaches to?
And most certainly, I am going to look into a PVC replacement. I can drill a hole and bung the PVC breather back into it without a hitch. This is a basic, "Work with what you got" mod.
Thanks for you patience as I was waiting for a clear spot in the weather and time away from the office to compile the photos and retrace my steps from a few weeks back. Oh, standard disclaimer warrants repeating here:
I am not responsible for any damage as a result of following the above article. You undertake such a project at your own risk of life, limb, wallet and marshmallows. No dark chocolate peanut M&M's were harmed in the filming of this movie. If you are confused as to where to start when changing your oil, move on, this project is not for you. And above all, money, damaged engines and frustration can eat you alive on this if you get one thing wrong. Air filtration is an *essential* part of maintaining a servicable, long-lived engine. A leak *anywhere* behind the filter can ruin you pretty quick. Be confident in your skills before you tackle this. And - that's that.
Blaze on!