How do you clean the Throttle Body & upper I.M.

[copo]

I'd like to clean my throttle body and upper intake manifold.

Can I can remove the top turbo pipe going into the throttle body and start the car and spray GM Cleans Combustion Chamber cleaner past the flaps at a fast idle.
or
Should I just open the flap without the car running and spray a 1/2 can in the hole, let it sit for 30 min then go for a ride and blast out any crud? What do you do?

 

[MSDGN]

If it's really nasty it would be better to remove and clean otherwise remove up-pipe...spray cleaner and wipe as much crap out as possible...give it one good spray on everything then button it up and fire it up...make sure the cleaner is O2 sensor safe...I use a TB cleaner...

 

[copo]

Where's the O2 sensor? I hope it's not in the throttle body cause I used Cleens yesterday and the dealer said your not suppose to use it. They have something else they sell for the TB, but it's not made by GM.

 

[crownvic96]

o2 sensor is in your exhaust system just before the turbo, passenger side.

 

[copo]

I'm going to buy the correct stuff today for TB's but yesterday I used GM Cleans Combustion Chamber Cleaner that's used for chokes etc on carbs. Is Cleans safe? The GM parts guy said not to use it. Are there any protective coatings in the throttle body or O rings or anything in there that I can damage?

 

[crownvic96]

I've never used the stuff, but the only thing it would likely damage is the o2 sensor. that just depends on what the stuff is made out of and how much you used on it. i'm sure you'll be fine though. if the 02 sensor is old its time for a new one anyway

 

[scottyb]

I suggest removing the TB to clean it. When I cleaned mine (at 160k miles), I took it off and I had to scrub it with my toothbrush and carb cleaner to get all the buildup off.

It's very easy to remove. Just remove the up-pipe (gonna clean that anyway) disconnect the cables, electrical connections, remove the vac block screws (leave it there with the vac lines connected), and 2 nuts holding the TB on and boom it's off. I think that's it. You may want to have gaskets for the TB and IAC handy before you start in case your tear.

If you've also removed the pass side breather tube, then clean the IC as well.

 

[copo]

IAC and IC? What are the full names?

BTW, when I idle it sometimes idles like I have a miss. My 2nd set of plug wires have about 62,000 mi on them. How long are wires good for? Are GM wires a rip off? That's what I usually get but the last set I bought had plug boots that were 1/2" shorter than the factory ones.

I have photo copies from the parts book for the 3.8-7 engine. Let me know if you guys want me to add these to my web site. I could barely read the copies on the http://www.gnttype.org/ site.

 

[crownvic96]

IAC=Idle Air Control. its a little motor on the front of your TB(throttle body) that keeps the engine running by allowing air around the throttle blade at idle.

IC=Intercooler.

 

[crownvic96]

as far as wanting plug wires check this thread out

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=149378&highlight=plug+wires

i'd still visually inspect them, ohm them and make sure they are snug on the coil and on the plug but if they have been on the car for 62k miles it might not be a bad idea to slap a set on there.

FYI use the search engine, its come in handy the couple months i've been on here for the most part. i've been able to find about 90% of what i've been looking for just throwing in a couple basic words in there.

 

[copo]

OK, thx guys.

 

[copo]

For now I'm going to clean it without removing the TB. I read on other cleaning TB sites that I can have the car running. Can I do this with a GN?

 

[crownvic96]

i'm not sure, your MAF won't be reading airflow since the uppipe's disconnected but it may run pretty rough, you may have to work the throttle a bit while you spray to keep it from stalling.

 

[copo]

Did it while it was running with a bit of help with the throttle to keep the rpms up. Then sprayed 3 long shots while it was shut off then started it for 20 sec, then sprayed for another 3 long shots etc. Runs smoother.

 

[Tom Tom Turbo]

run alky for a few days!

 

[broke1]

Originally posted by Tom Tom Turbo
run alky for a few days!

You beat me to it

Run alky and your plenum and tb will be clean of anything that will wipe or wash off.My upper plenum shocked me when I pulled it

 

[WeSS]

tb cleaning

razor's alky kit cleaned mine right up.

 

[copo]

Here is what the GM dealer sells because GM does not make their own product.

http://ca.geocities.com/mlvd@rogers.com/images/wynns_air_intake_cleaner.jpg

http://ca.geocities.com/mlvd@rogers.com/images/wynns_air_intake_cleaner_label.jpg