cleaning the throttle body.

[The motor guy]

what do you use to clean the throttle body on a late model vehicle? Do they actually have a throttle body cleaner or do you just use brake cleaner or something like that? This is a 2008 dodge ram 4.7 liter. Also is it ok to open and close it cause im not sure if this vehicle has an electronically controlled throttle body or if that even matters. I'm assuming you do this with the engine off?

 

[JGW]

I would never use any type of "cleaner" to clean the throttle body. I just take it out and clean it by hand.

 

[Rand]

they make a spray can of throttle body cleaner so its safe for any coatings on it.

take off the intake..

spray cleaner sparingly use some type of lint free rags to clean
both sides of the valve and any ring/lip of [censored] where it meets the sides(when closed)

the cleaner is usually next to the MAF cleaner.. and not nec. next to brake cleaner
what I used

 

[The motor guy]

So can I open up the throttle plate on this vehicle with no problems? Will it go back to the correct position when you start it up? Or are you guys saying to remove the entire throttle body and then clean it out by holding it in my hand?

 

[97prizm]

Never ever clean the throttle body with brake cleaner it will damage sensors. i have used throttle body cleaner and it seems to help.

 

[KeithS_NW_Ohio]

How did it get dirty?

 

[The motor guy]

They get dirty from the pcv system rerouting crankcase gases into the intake.

 

[The motor guy]

SO is it ok to move the butterfly on a drive by wire throttle body?

 

[Dave Hess]

Any rag will do just fine.

 

[ahoier]

Walmart sells "Carb and Air Intake Cleaner" made by SuperTech (Wamart brand.....) that should work....hose it down sparingly (ha that sounds funny....) then wipe it dry with a lint-free towel/rag....like a microfiber or something....

As far as moving the throttle butterfly....that I couldn't answer....I'd play with the linkage/cable so it opens using the linkage/cable....and not "forced" open....

Just be sure whatever you use is "safe for gasoline engines" - believe it not...there are still some still designed "only" to be used with/for carburetor cleaning.....specifically the big can of Gum Out Carb and Choke cleaner, right next to the SuperTech Air Intake Cleaner mentioned above.....only the GumOut says NOT to be used in/on gasoline engines......can't figure out WHY though....so what's it good for....? older rebuilds? And lawn movers.....haha.

 

[Loobed]

You can get special Throttle Body Cleaner. I have used that and regular Gumout carburetor cleaner spray. I have not had any problems with the Gumout. I remove the air tube, open the butterfly valve and spray the black carbon deposits. After a few second I wipe it out with a cotton towel (usually an old T-shirt or sock).

If you are cleaning the MAF sensor, than you should use MAF sensor cleaner or an electrical parts cleaner that doesn't leave a residue.

 

[yonyon]

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
SO is it ok to move the butterfly on a drive by wire throttle body?


For the most part, yes, provided the key is off. Two exceptions:
-Some Nissans don't like cleaning the throttle body especially if the TB is very crudded up. These will then run badly until an idle relearn is performed. It may require a bit of creativity to achieve conditions required to run idle learn.
-Some Volkswagens require a relearn after cleaning the throttle body. These can run very badly until a relearn is performed. The relearn requires a scan tool that has at least basic VW specific software.

Your Dodge isn't a Nissan or Volkswagen so you should be good to go with the key off. After cleaning the throttle body in place, start the engine. It probably won't want to start so hold the accelerator pedal to the floor while cranking and as soon as you hear it start, drop the pedal, then give it a couple of light taps to keep it running. When it smooths out let it idle for a good 10 seconds or so, then shut it off.

 

[yonyon]

If you clean the throttle body in place rather than doing it off the vehicle it is best to do it with the engine stone cold. The warmer the engine, the more TB cleaner evaporates before you start the engine. The more evaporation you have, the more dissolved crude is deposited further down the line in the intake. Running a little cleaner through afterwards with the engine running can help with that.

 

[Kestas]

I clean it with gasoline. How could gasoline possibly hurt the throttle body?

 

[Malo83]

Gas will leave a film on the TB, throttle body cleaner spray dries clean

 

[mechtech2]

What sensors would Bk or any other damage?
Maybe if you simply sprayed it into the intake oopening.
but that is NOT agood cleaning. i would NEVER do this.
Manually clean it. Yes, you MAY havet o remove it. Usually, just the stuff to get at it is enough.
A rag and solvent is great. but clean it dinner plate clean.