For the past three weeks, after an extended freeway drive at 65-70 mph, I started noticing when I would exit the freeway, and while sitting in traffic at a redlight, the engine would surge. Not bad, but noticeable on the tach (1987 Aerostar 3.0v6 138K digital dash) The freeway run, the van runs fine, also when cold or in the warm up routine, the engine idles normal when stopped and in gear. Saturday, I removed the boot in front of the throttle body, and sprayed with the CRC TB cleaner. Ihad a helper hold down the gas pedal to the floor, so the butterfly remained fully opened. Sprayed and brushed deep into the bowels of the throttle body. Stuck in a rag, and wiped up the excess. reinstalled boot, and I could not beleive the difference. Great acceleration, and after some freeway runs, the surging is gone. Normal idle, in gear, heater on, blowing hot, right around 900 rpm with no variation in the tach. Much better! One time, last week, it surged, did not stall, but I almost had to slip the trans into "N" to prevent a stall. Some say it's the crappy NoCal gasoline with the wintertime "smog" additives that cause it, I'm not sure.

 

Was the engine running while you were spraying it with TB cleaner?

 

I would hope not, as CRC Industrial Contact Cleaner is 100% 134a Refrigerant.

 

Copper, No, the engine was shut off. It was warm, but off. Unlike a carb vehicle, it's not a good idea to spray the throttle body cleaner directly into the TB with the engine running. I have read it can possibly cause havok with the computer brain, as the engine "freaks" because it cannot figure out the extra air, etc. coming in. Especially on mid 90s to the present computer controlled vehicles. My Aerostar, is relelatively a primitive computer controlled vehicle (by 1987 standards) as compared to mid 90s - today vehicles. That said, it is also a good idea to start your van (boot connected) and drive it right after cleaning the throttle body (around the block is fine) as any wet or dilutted throttle spray will quickly be burned off, as it evaporates noticeably quicker as compared to regular carb spray. I don't mean to beat a dead horse here, but even though I maintain my Aerostar as well or better than the average motorist - I can not beleive how smooth and quiet the old van accelerates and idles now. Today, I drove the van about 20 miles, it was raining and windy here. When stopped, foot on the brake and in gear, idle smooth, normal, even with accessories on, such as the heater, full headlights and wipers on, the Trico blades (22-4) squeeging the rain away. Then I arrived home, pulled the Aerostar in the garage just in time to see the start of the Nascar green flag wave @ Atlanta as I flopped in the Laz-Y-boy recliner... Ed

 

If it is why is there no label telling that? By federal Law it has to be recovered.

 

I have no idea why its okay to use it. BTW were you use CRC Terminal Block Cleaner, same stuff as contact cleaner or Fuel Injection Air-Intake Cleaner? If the later its only about 40% 134a. IMO; The EPA stuff about refrigerants is the biggest lie to ever be dropped on us, and just for the record I follow all the rules and regulations for handling refrigerants.

 

I agree, The whole thing was made up like Global Warming. It is built on a false model of what if's.

 

They even go as far to say technically you can't work on someone elses car if it regards the air conditioning system you need a professional according to the Haynes manual.

Between working with refrigerant and gasoline the latter is much more dangerous and deadly you are allowed to pump your own gas aren't you? Do you need certification to replace your fuel regulator or filter?
Well technically in NJ where I live you can't pump your own gas but I'm just making a point .

Although I have an inficon recovery unit $200 I'm sure compressors and hoses on AC systems leak everyday or crack from rust and refrigerant gets out and the driver doesn't even notice.

I'm sure its mostly speculation and like M said what if's used to keep people in the dark and too scared to do anything themselves . So you can go to Ford and pay the $500 dollar bill and cry all the way home.

 

Yea those what if's are the "I really don't know the answer" We just made it up.

Like what if 40 suns went Super Nova on us at once. We would be sucking hugh amounts of helium and hydrogen and all be dead.

 

You guys know there's a coating inside the intake to resist carbon buildup? There is a sticker on there that warns you not to use cleaners in there . It was put on at the factory nad like all stickers eventually fallen off. I hear you guys on all those scares. Global warming my butt!

 

At 138,000 mile I doubt the coating is still on there. Doesn't the pollution control stuff only have to last to 36,000 miles then its the owners problem?

 

The label is for the AIC, and TPS, and 02 Not the intake.

The casting inside has no coating on it.

If you really want to clean the inside, Spray water in the intake as it runs. The steam will clean the Intake, Valves, Pistons, and head cambers. I have seen this done over a week's time with a water injection system. The engine looked new when they took it a part. This was a on junkyard motor that they just threw in.

 

Heh I remember that sticker when I removed the air box hose when I replaced my alt the sticker was almost peeling off.

 

Whynot, are you talking about newer vehicles? I was not aware of your warning, but on the other hand, I did not buy my Aerostar brand new? It's an '87, so I was not aware of what you said, as well as reading it in my owners manuel? Please reply if you have any additional info...Thanks! Ed

 

Well, my understanding was from a particular show of Two guys garage. Not sure which one in particular. If I see it again I'll be able to quote.