Throttle Body Service Intervals

[serious II]

1) How often should the throttle body be serviced/cleaned?

2) Are there any reliable OTC products for cleaning TB's?

3) Do some engine types/models require more frequent TB service?

 

[The_Jeff]

My saturns require it every 2-3k miles. Have the routine down to 3 or 4 minutes. I know when I need it since the gas pedal gets sticky. I consider my two examples to be extremely abnormal. My sister had a saturn that I didn't ever need to do this on. All were SOHCs with MPFI (dry throttle plate.)

I use gumout TB spray.

 

[Chevynut67]

I used Valvoline Synpower Carb & TB Cleaner on my '98 Blazer & was impressed with the results.

 

[Russ]

CRC TB cleaner every oil change works well for me.

 

[car_junkie_moron]

NAPA carries 3M product for this. Very impressive.

 

[ALS]

I do mine once a year, every spring. Volvo recommends to have it done every 30K. It takes me less than ten minutes to do mine. unclip the linkage, remover the intake hose, unplug the throttle position switch and remove 3 13mm nuts. I use carb cleaner to spray the unit's bore and butterfly. Install a new paper gasket, install the nuts, snap on the linkage and plug in the throttle position switch and re-hook up the intake
hose and tighten the band clamp. I have seen where the dealer didn't remove the TB from the car and just sprayed the unit on the car. I had idle problems for two weeks until the garbage that got flushed into the idle control motor worked its way out.

 

[serious II]

Thanks for the input. I just grabbed some Valvoline TB Cleaner from Advaced Auto. I'll try it on my vehicles and post the results.

 

[punisher]

It became a favorite over the years- Ford Foaming Throttle Body cleaner. It worked well and didn't harm any of the sludge resistant coatings on throttle bodies. Some of the aftermarket cleaners play **** with the coatings and accelerate sludge buildup.

 

[mjo]

Pure acetone worked EXTREMELY well on my throttle body. Wiping with TP soaked in acetone gets everything out and leaves a mirror shine. You can get 1/4 gallon at Meijers or Walmart for $4.50 plus tax.

 

[BlazerLT]

Use TB cleaner and toothbrush and wet, scrub, and rinse the TB butterfly (back and front of it), and scrub the out perimeter of the butterfly and the intake so there is a tight and clean surface.

Rinse after with more cleaner and enjoy.

Cost: $5