[MW1515]

hey guys, so I cleaned out the throttle body with carb cleaner over the weekend. I disconnected the air intake hose, and then sprayed around between the inlet and the throttle plate and cleaned it all up. Then I opened up the throttle plate and cleaned all around where it makes contact so it wont stick. Question: should you spray carb cleaner past the throttle plate even though you cant reach in there to wipe it out with a cloth? It didnt seem like a great idea so i didnt yet, but should you clean up in there too?

 

[benji9k]

I wouldn't recommend it. Think about it, you might be loosening the dirt and grime, but then think about where it'll be going now that you loosened it up. :nono; Same way fuel injector cleaners and other "systems cleaners" can do nothing more than cause more headaches.

Anyone else want to add something?

 

[djtaylor]

Not sure I necessarily agree. It depends on what you're clearing, if it's gummed deposits that get dissolved and exhausted I don't see what the problem is.

On the other hand, if you just knock a lump of oil crud off the inside of the timing cover say and just wait for it to find it's way to block an oilway then that's different.

David.

 

[Marrk]

Think about it, you might be loosening the dirt and grime, but then think about where it'll be going now that you loosened it up.

Yes... straight into a dirty combustion chamber and out the exhaust never to be seen again. Most of the crud is recirculated oil vapour from the engine breather which is tied into the turbo inlet to be burnt with the air and fuel. Cleaner emmissions and all that!

There will be no problems putting cleaner past the throttle flap, but don't flood it though as it can flow past a open inlet valve and wash the oil deposits off the cylinder wall etc.

 

[MW1515]

should you start the car before the cleaner has a chance to dry or should you let the carb cleaner dry as much as possible first?
thanks

 

[KevinC]

should you start the car before the cleaner has a chance to dry or should you let the carb cleaner dry as much as possible first?
thanks

Best way to clean the throttle body is to remove it, then you can clean and wipe from both sides and work the throttle. Do not disconnect the electrics if it is TCS.

I don't see any harm in spraying cleaner in w/ the engine running, just don't put excessive amounts as Marrk commented.

If you want to clean further downstream as well, run a can of Seafoam thru a vacum line while runnig; last Kodak meet in April the resulting smoke clouds were entertaining.

 

[benji9k]

Best way to clean the throttle body is to remove it, then you can clean and wipe from both sides and work the throttle. Do not disconnect the electrics if it is TCS.

True, it's only 3 bolts on the manifold and a clamp on the other side. Don't forget about the 2 vacuum lines too, if you have TCS.

 

[Jamal Bryant]

This is a dumb question: You can clean the throttle body without taking it off the intake manifold? I have TCS and my throttle body is stuck on pretty good (i've tried taking it off while replacing my thermostat, and just gave up).

 

[Marrk]

Yes you can, no problems buts its easier if its taken off though.