Cleaning the throttle body

[dman76]

I have read a few things and watched some videos on this subject and one think I got out of it is to not move the butterfly by hand. Is that just referring to while it is still attached? If you remove the throttle body, do you need to worry about it? I imagine removing it is probably the way to go to get a good cleaning too if it has never been cleaned, right? I have a 2000 5.3 with 145k miles .

 

[drakon543]

ive opened the throttle plate by hand while cleaning them. only open it just enough to spray around it and open it gently.

 

[Chubbs]

Have a 2nd person apply the accelerator is probably the best method

 

[dman76]

So you guys are saying I am better off just cleaning it while it is on rather than taking it off? Are you able to clean it that well this way?

 

[yugrus]

So you guys are saying I am better off just cleaning it while it is on rather than taking it off? Are you able to clean it that well this way?

I'm did clean mine that way, to avoid any idle RPM problems. The assistant turns the ignition key without starting the engine, and floors the accelerator. The butterfly valve opens and you use your favorite tooth brush with TB cleaner to make it shine. Be gentle not to bend it. No disassembly required.
Guide the assistant to open the valve kinda half-way to get the bottom of it.

 

[Doubeleive]

if it is a 2000 then you should still have a throttle cable, so you can just turn it from the outside and clean as needed on the inside, you may also want to clean up the IAC while your at it they get mucked up too, when your done and you start it up it may idle high for a minute but should go back to normal right away. I have done mine numerous times never had any problems.

 

[dman76]

I do have the throttle cable. So are you saying just leave it installed and use the cable to open it? Just spray cleaner in there and brush with a toothbrush?

if it is a 2000 then you should still have a throttle cable, so you can just turn it from the outside and clean as needed on the inside, you may also want to clean up the IAC while your at it they get mucked up too, when your done and you start it up it may idle high for a minute but should go back to normal right away. I have done mine numerous times never had any problems.

 

[Doubeleive]

I do have the throttle cable. So are you saying just leave it installed and use the cable to open it? Just spray cleaner in there and brush with a toothbrush?

yes you can clean it that way no problem, I always use a soft cloth, I guess you could use a toothbrush but seems rather cumbersome, just use carb spray all that gunk will come off almost instantly, maybe if it wont just wipe out with carb spray a brush could be used.

 

[dman76]

Well this sounds easy! I was prepared to take everything apart to clean it and the the MAF sensor but I will give this a try first. Thank you.