[Walt Fricke]

I think you can pull the breather cover without removing the CIS. Two things will give you some form of pretzel access: pulling the rubber boot connecting the two sides of the CIS, and doing a "partial drop" of the engine. There is a Pelican FAQ on this, but it involves disconnecting the shift coupler, and then removing the rear motor mount big bolts with a jack under the rear of the engine, and lowering the engine until hoses and wires start to get tight. Then block the unit so it can't sink lower if the jack slowly retreats.

I don't think anything else attaches to the four 6mm studs which hold the breather on. I think you may have enough clearance to the bottom of the CIS airbox.

No matter what I do I always get some grime in this area. Luckily not as nasty as some of the photos.

Walt