Ok, maybe going via the PCV hose is incorrect, or maybe I'm just doing this wrong. I disconnected the PCV hose from the PCV valve (which is connected to the crankcase) and the engine stalled. I had read somewhere that this can be done through the PCV hose (maybe not on a Corolla)? I don't know if this is elec. throttle or cable driven.
And yes, I am having major (very major) oil burning problems, apparently due to stuck, coked-up rings, because, from what I've been told, Toyota completely screwed up the design of their 8th gen. pistons and used undersized rings. So much for Japanese cars being more reliable (maybe the Japanese companies just know how to sweep their problems under the rug better).
Linctex's suggestion sounds interesting, though I wish there was a visual guide somewhere on doing this, since I don't know the location of the windshield wiper electrical plug, the throttle body, etc. I am essentially a mechanical neophyte who's devouring as much car knowledge as possible thanks to my oil burning engine.
There's a ton of videos on youtube on decarbing engines -- and all of them involve carburetors or diesel engines.