Disconnecting coolant lines
 

Is it possible to take off and clean the throttle body and intake plenum without having to disconnect any coolant lines? (I'll have a helper so there will be an extra set of hands). Also, is it possible to disconnect the entire Intake Air Control Valve directly from the plenum for cleaning without having to disconnect the fuel and coolant lines? Here is a scan of the FSM just to show what part I'm talking about.

What year is your ES?

Oh sorry, forgot to add that. 1992 ES with 3VZ-FE

It is completely possible to remove the IACV without disconnecting any coolant lines. You'll want to be wary of fuel while you're disconnecting your coldstart injector though. Mine didn't have much pressure at all when I did mine, but the vehicle had also been sitting for a couple of days.

It's not possible to remove your plenum and not disconnect any coolant lines. They are fairly high up though, and you won't lose much if you decide to not drain the coolant. (1/2 qt maybe?) and you could minimize your lose by disconnecting them and plugging them with some various sized bolts or other odds and ends.

I find most of the process to be fairly easy, and the only part that really takes me any time is disconnecting the stuff off the back like the EGR pipe, and Engine hanger No. 2 I think. Anything that's smashed against the firewall really. (I have massive hands, I have yet to find someone besides my father with as big or bigger.)

Make sure to keep some rags on hand so you can stuff them into the intake after you remove the plenum so nothing falls down in there. It's helpful to bag your bolts, and make sure you've got your 8mm allen socket.

Good to know about the IACV. I basically am just worried about when I disconnect coolant lines, how will I get the air out of the system then? I heard just let it run with the radiator cap off but I'm not really certain.

That's pretty much spot on. here's a hopefully helpful link for you.

Thanks for the video, that's pretty much what I thought the process was. Now I'm thinking of how to do it without that special funnel and not make a giant mess :D