I finally found the source of the vacuum leak: the smaller breather hose has a nasty gash in it. So how to replace that hose?
I removed the actuator on top of the throttle body and now what remains in my way is the upright (3" diameter) tube going to the throttle. If I can get that out I may have enough access to replace the breather hose. I loosened the hose clamp at the bottom of the upright tube and can now turn it in place but something is preventing it from coming off. That upright tube has ears at 2 corners that I can see so I turned it to different positions but can't find a position that allows it to come off.
any help please?