my #6 valve has low compression and is making a scraping type noise. I have the top end coming of now to check it out but cant figure out how to get the intake manifold off! any tips? Also, some suggestions on how to organize all of the vacuum line would be appreciated !
Thanks!!!

 

Use the FSM link from my sig line to find an FSM .....it will guide you through the process.

 

As far as the vacuum hoses you should become very acquainted with Masking tape and a Sharpe (or lots of pictures).

 

^^^ what he said.
If you think the #6 valve has gone, with the engine running hold a rag in your hand loosely in-front of the tailpipe, if the rag gets sucked towards the exhaust most likely the valve is bad. I'd compression check before i tore it down.
and since you asked...

 

I did the compression test and the 6 was low, around 60 or so. I added a little oil to the cylinder and it pretty much blew my compression tester apart (not literally) but saying that it increased to compression dramatically. Is it possible to do the potential valve work with the intake manifold off? Also, do I have to take the whole front end off ie. the timing cover to get the intake manifold off!?
Thanks!
Ben

 

I saw somewhere that it is possible that the valve cover could cause the noise, but would leaking valve cover gasket cause low compression? There is a lot of build up from a leaking valve cover gasket around the #6

 

When adding oil to the cylinder through the spark plug hole as is typical during a compression test, if the compression readings raise, it's most often attributable to the piston rings.

How that translates to needing valve work escapes me.

 

^^^ agreed, and at that point valve work won't matter if you need rings. Well I guess you can load it from the bottom, but the cylinder should be honed and that needs to be done from the top.
To the OP,
You will need to remove your head to have the valve fixed. Search for timing belt how to or download an FSM. All your answers are easily found.