Throttle body cleaning

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Jan 22, 2006 | 09:20 AM

98-Ranger

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Throttle body cleaning

Guy's,

98 Ranger, 4x4, 4.0L, automatic

In looking at earlier posts, didn't see this question addressed.

My throttle body has a lot of crud on it, needs cleaning - 170K miles.

Do you remove it from the intake manifold to clean? If so, is there a gasket that needs to be replaced?

Other threads indicated you just sprayed TB cleaner while the engine was running? Maybe I missed the one post that addressed this.

Thanks

Jan 22, 2006 | 12:55 PM

RangerPilot

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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)

I don't believe there is a gasket to replace, but I may be wrong. I would pull it though to clean it.

Jan 22, 2006 | 09:23 PM

devilsword

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pulling and cleaning is always nice in giving you that ability to do some deep cleaning. Just make sure to only use TB cleaning not carb/tb or just carb.

Jan 22, 2006 | 11:09 PM

probedude

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From: ventura, CA

You don't need to pull it. Use an old toothbrush to help reach in there and scrub things out. (just don't lose it!)

Jan 23, 2006 | 03:18 AM

CowboyBilly9Mile

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From: Eastern WA

Another vote for not pulling it. As noted, remove loose debris with a brush and a rag and follow up with aerosol cleaner compatible with throttle bodies (read the can before buying and using). Plan on replacing the spark plugs when you get done as the crud flows into the engine and has the potential to land on the plugs. This creates a conductive coating that weakens spark, lowers performance and gas mileage.

*If this intake is looking rather raunchy, you might consider inspecting and cleaning the IAC solenoid.

Jan 23, 2006 | 04:51 PM

pintopower8

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From: Lancaster, PA

I tried cleaning out my throttle body but also noted that the entire intake is cruddy. The toothbrush doesn't get in there very far ( I connected a rod to it but it still didn't work too well) . I actually sprayed it first with the engine off and let it soak then toothbrushed it, and sprayed it again then ran it. Overall I noticed no gain and definately no better mileage. I think i may look into cleaning the entire intake. The funny thing is I just got it 2 months ago (less than 1000miles) and he told me he cleaned the injectors and everything. I used C N C air intake teflon safe stuff. I didn't even think about changing the plugs though

Jan 23, 2006 | 05:02 PM

probedude

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From: ventura, CA

Unless you have so much gunk that it's thick and you're blocking airflow or changing it- don't bother doing it. You may end up causing problems, and absolutely more work for yourself with no benefit.

For me, cleaning the throttle body eliminated throttle sticking (it was built up enough to keep the throttle closed), helped with off idle response, and helped keep the engine from dying then I left off the throttle after pushing in the clutch - but this was all on my Nissan Sentra SER. For my Ranger, off idle response was better but that's about it.

You'd have to have enough buildup in your intake to look like a charred brownie to warrant removing it for cleaning.