PCV valve replacement on 3.4 L V6

Anyone done this job recently? Is it easy to mess up? I know there's the potential for dropping that gasket down into the engine, but on videos, it looks like it's fairly easy to retrieve those pieces. I heard it's a big job if you lose one of those pieces down there.

I'm worried mine has never been done in 20 years. I think it's the last bit of deferred maintenance I need to get caught up on on this truck. Finally!

2004 Tundra AC V6 manual

 

I believe the key is being prepared for any scenario because the components are typically dry-rotted and have a tendency to want to come out in pieces, rather than as a whole. Be prepared and be patient and take your time during removal. I've used needle-nosed pliers, an angled pick and a vacuum at various times. Be patient and pay close attention to what is happening. I've pulled out many old seals and gaskets and haven't had to pulling pieces out yet. Be patient and pay attention. You can do it.

 

All right, finally got her done. It was a little hairy. The grommet/gasket was completely dry rotted. Getting the valve out itself was actually really hard. I removed the air resonator to make it a bit easier. Then getting the gasket out was really hard because it just came apart in pieces. Once I had the top part holding it in place broken off, the whole thing just fell in. Then I had to break it up in pieces to make a split down the side to be able to back it out. Only had a few small pieces to fish out. I looked for a long time to make sure I had everything though, with multiple flashlights.

Used a little silicone spray to help it go in once I had cleaned it up really well (my valve cover gasket leak has oil everywhere haha).

Discovered that one of the hoses off the air resonator is cracked so now I'm going to replace that too.

Based on the shake test, I think my old one was bad. Really glad I did it.

Maybe this will help someone!