cleaning the throttle body

[schwartr88]

I just purchased some CRC air intake cleaner to clean the throttle body. I also just read an article form popular mechanics that using solvents to clean the TB is not reccommended because they can damage seals and sensors.

So, Im wondering what to do. Either go ahead and use the CRC cleaner or take it back. I have an 02 sonoma (4 cyl, 2.2L) with almost 100k miles.

Also, the cleaner says it will leave a lubricating residue behind. Is there any negative effects of this such as making it more likely for dirt/contaminants sticking to it?

thanks.

 

[mburnickas]

You can clean it and be 100% fine. Lexus says the same thing but they sell a clean for TB's..go figure.

I used V. Synpower TB, choke and carb cleaner.

 

[b_rubenstein]

quote:

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Originally posted by schwartr88:


Also, the cleaner says it will leave a lubricating residue behind.

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I don't see the reason for a lubricating residue, unless it's supposed to cut down on the formation of deposits.

 

[porcupine73]

Well, I think I read in another post that cleaners that just say 'carb cleaner' could contain ingredients that might damage O2 sensors. Many posts people have posted good results with Valvoline Synpower throttle body cleaner.

I like to use FP60 or Redline SI/R-1 warmed in a hot water bath with a spray bottle head, man they both melt off carbonacous deposits like butter. Just be ready for a few minutes of pungent smoke emission upon restart. Not sure how much their oilyness might result in sticking of junk to it; I'll have to look soon.

 

[schwartr88]

If anyone cares here are the msds for Valvolines TB cleaner vs. CRC tb cleaner.


Valvoline
CRC


Ill probably give the Valvoline stuff a try...it is synthetic after-all

 

[schwartr88]

While I was at the shop today my mechanic told me not to use any TB cleaner spry as it will foul the spark plugs. He said only to use the fuel treatments because they are safer. Ill still give the valvoline stuff a try, but in small doses.

 

[another Todd]

No amount of fuel treatment will clean the throttle body. Fuel enters the engine beyond that point. One engine manufacturer (don't remember which) used to say never clean the throttle body (butterfly)because it had a coating on it that would be washed off with the cleaner. Maybe by now the cleaners are milder to address that.

 

[wavinwayne]

quote:

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Originally posted by another Todd:
....One engine manufacturer (don't remember which) used to say never clean the throttle body (butterfly)because it had a coating on it that would be washed off with the cleaner.....

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That would be Ford. The warning is stupid, because it didn't keep the butterfly in this picture from looking like the inside of a chimney at 75k miles. I cleaned it with TB cleaner at that time & it has looked about as good as it does in the picture ever since.

 

[Kestas]

Same here. My 98 ZX2 says the same thing. Not much of a coating if deposits build up. I simply go to town with my solvent of choice. Perhaps gasoline is the safest solvent?

 

[schwartr88]

I decided just to remove the TB and clean it out real good. Before I do, is there a specific torque setting for the bolts or can I tighten it up by hand?

Thanks

 

[boxcartommie22]

i just removed mine yesterday on my 98 conti to replace the tps sensor...i cleaned it all really good...ford manual says torque specs on it was 8ft-lbs

 

[schwartr88]

^^
Did you have to replace a gasket when you put your TB back on? Im looking online for a replacement gasket for mine, but cannot seem to find one. Ill call the stores tomorrow once they open to find out for sure.

 

[another Todd]

Most ft-lb torque wrenches are not very accurate at that low torque. Better to use an inch-pound torque wrench. 8X12= 96 inch pounds.

 

[boxcartommie22]

i bought a new gasket for mine..torque specs in in-lbs from ford manual = 71-106 in-lbs...i converted it to ft.-lbs i use a torque calculator...i used 8 ft.lbs = ,as todd says, 96in-lbs.

 

[boxcartommie22]

for your info: 1ft-lb=12in-lbs.

 

[boxcartommie22]

by the way, i ordered my gasket from auto parts store down the street from me took 2 hrs from warehouse...fel pro cost 1.40

 

[schwartr88]

The fel pro gasket for me cost about 4 bucks from AA. It will be in tomorrow A.M.

Thanks all.

 

[T-Keith]

I have used CRC brand intake cleaner for years. I even have UOAs durring which I used it, and they turned out fine. I remove the MAF sensor(if it's in the way) clean the TB, IAC valve, and IAC passages.

-T

 

[schwartr88]

The main reason Im removing it vs. cleaning it attached is because its pretty diry on the back side. I didnt want to spray 16 oz of cleaner into it and wash all the crud into the engine. The only problem in removing it appears to be 2 "friction fit" hoses that may be a pain to slide off. Other than that it appears pretty self explanitory.

Im sure the CRC stuff is just fine, but im partial to valvoline so I got their stuff. Besides, it was 20 cents more and I get an additional 3.6 oz.

 

[Hajoca]

Some carb cleaners contained silicone, which can kill O2 sensor and Cat very quickly, but the silicone was great for lubricating the throttle plate hindge on carbs...