Crankcase vent valve replacement: How do I remove the old one?

[bmdubsonly]

Thanks to the many members on here that have had similar problems with lumpy idles, intermittent check engine lights and most importantly the mysterious squealing noises on their cars, I now know that I need to replace the crankcase vent valve (CCVV).
I now have the part, but after spending 30 unsuccessful minutes just trying to get an allen wrench into the 2 upside-down cap screws that hold it on, I am stumped!
Does anyone have any suggestions for easy removal of this part?
Does the removal of the upper half of the intake mainifold make it any easier?
Help!
Thanks guys.

[b.u.ti-ful]

I haven't taken the valve off on my car, but I have had the intake manifold off and it wasn't too big a deal.

Looks like it would make it easier.

[cslayman]

Yes. I just replaced the vent valve on my '95 M42 two weeks ago. Removing the upper half of the intake manifold makes it easier. The vent valve is bolted to an intermediate plate between the lower and upper manifold. But it also has two water hoses attached too. So you can lift the intermediate plate up just enough to get at the allen screws. I'd leave the hoses alone.

Cheers,
Charlie