Car:
2000 Honda Civic EX with a D16y5 block and D16y8 head/harness/ECU.

1. Alternator:
The PDF manual says the alternator comes off from below, and sometimes have to remove the bracket. Welp, I removed the bracket and the alternator simply will not fit through that space. Even if I remove the CV-axle it would not go through there... likely due to the bottom-end being a D16y5 instead of a D16y8, or who knows why? To me it is obviously not going to fit through the top, either.

2. Breather (case ventilation?):
This car has massive oil leakage that looks like the breather thing on the back of the engine block. You know that black box below the intake manifold, I think it connects in with the PCV valve? Yeah, that O-ring looks like a hard replacement. If there anything else back there I should look at for an oil leak?

3. VTEC Solenoid:
The VTEC solenoid is leaking oil. I replaced the rubber seal and metal screen about 2 years ago but it still leaks. I have another seal to go in but I am not convinced. I replaced the O-ring for the sensor, and also the actual solenoid part on top I got that sealed up nicely too, so those are OK. However, that large seal with screen seems to leak no matter what happens. I lapped the surface flat and found it was out of spec, but still had a small drip when putting back together with red RTV. Now I have the gasket and screen brand new from Honda, and I want to make sure it is done once and for all. What am I missing here?

4. Intake Manifold:
Right now, to me, the smartest way to accomplish all of the above is to just remove the intake manifold (abbreviated "IM") entirely. Then, I can fit the alternator out, and reach that breather box o-ring. I have the IM gasket ordered and will be here this afternoon. Also, I have to relieve and open the fuel system anyway for the sake of replacing the fuel filter.

Anyone have some kind of helpful tips? Am I missing something here? Oil leaks? Alternator?