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The throttle body on your engine is often overlooked. And when it fails, everything comes to a stop. Throttle body cleaning is essential for keeping everything running right and getting top performance from your car.
But how does it work? Simply put, the throttle body is a valve butterfly inside a housing located upstream of the intake housing that controls the air going into the engine. It can be cable operated or electric. JEGS has several options to choose from, made by the best brands in the business, including Edelbrock, AC Delco, and BBK.
But enough about how they work. Let's get down to business and find out how to clean a throttle body, why it should be cleaned, and how to do it properly. After all, wrenching on your car is fun, but driving it is the ultimate goal.
Why Should I Clean My Throttle Body?
Cleaning your throttle body on a regular basis is crucial if you want the engine to be in tip-top shape. Over time, dirt, grime, and grease build up in the throttle body will reduce engine performance. There are several indications that a throttle body cleaning is necessary. They include:
- Rough Idle. A rough idle is one of the most common signs that a throttle body cleaning needs to be done. When you first start up the vehicle, keep an eye on the RPM. If they fluctuate more than 100 to 300 RPM, it may be a good indicator that something is restricting its airflow.
- Poor Fuel Economy. Whether it’s a high-horsepower street car or a daily driver, poor fuel economy is another sign that it's time to have a look at the throttle body condition.
- Engine Hesitation. Does your car not have the same acceleration as the day you brought it home? It can be that you've gotten used to it, or it could be a dirty or clogged throttle body. Either way, a quick look under the hood will point you in the right direction.
- Check Engine Light. The dreaded CEL light is never a good sign. It can be set off for several reasons, including the dirty or malfunctioning throttle body. The best thing to do is to have your vehicle scanned with a code reader. If one is not available, a good visual inspection of the throttle body is the next best step.
Like other moving parts on your car, the throttle body requires regular maintenance. Perform a thorough inspection every six months to ensure nothing is overlooked, and potential problems are caught in time.
A thorough cleaning every 80,000 to 100,000 miles using a high-quality throttle body cleaner is one of the best preventative maintenance measures. Doing so will increase the lifespan and maintain peak performance levels.
Different Types of Throttle Body Cleaners
Picking the right cleaner depends on the type of throttle body you have. Old-fashioned, cable-driven throttle bodies are more forgiving as they typically do not have any electrical components such as sensors.
Off-the-shelf carburetor / throttle body cleaners will do the job just fine. Some old timers used gasoline and a fine brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. While that might be fine in some cases, you should probably steer clear of this method. Newer throttle bodies have sensitive electrical equipment, including motors and sensors. Dunking them in a bath of gas is never a good idea. Plus, it’s hazardous.
Here are some of the most popular:
Berryman provides a great all-around cleaner. The B-12 Chemtool cleaner is great for removing gunk, build-up, and grime from your throttle body. High-energy solvent technology is ready to take on even the messiest throttle bodies.
CRC Throttle Body Cleaner is specifically formulated for one task. To destroy any residue that accumulates on your throttle body, inside and out. It is safe to use on electric and cable-driven throttle bodies as well as multi-port injection systems.
WD40 Specialist Carb & Throttle Body Cleaner recently entered the market and has been welcomed with open arms. Its solvents break up carbon deposits and a powerful spray blats away debris without leaving any residue. However, it shouldn't be confused with the classic version, as it's not the same formulation.
Johnsen’s Throttle Body and Air Intake Cleaner’s claim to fame is that it’s specifically formulated to meet VOC requirements in all 50 states. Aside from that, it works just as well as other cleaners listed. Lastly, the 360-degree valve allows the cleaner to be used in any position.
Cleaning products are a dime a dozen. JEGS is here to make your choice easier by outlining the most popular solutions on the market. The more information you have on hand, the easier it becomes to choose the right throttle body cleaner.
How To Use Throttle Body Cleaner
Throttle body cleaning is simple if you follow these simple steps:
- Disconnect the battery. As with any other engine maintenance, cutting off the power supply to the vehicle is crucial. It helps protect yourself and the throttle body from potential problems.
- Locate the throttle body. Your throttle body should be located in between the air filter and intake. It is generally held on with four screws.
- Remove the throttle body. Start off by removing the air hose. It should be held on with a hose clamp or cage clip. Once the hose is off, remove the electrical connector or cable and unscrew the retaining screws attaching it to the intake. If your throttle body has a gasket or O-ring, be sure to replace it.
- Clean it up. Once the throttle body is removed, give it a good cleaning with the cleaner of your choice. If any residue remains, using a soft brush or rag will help get rid of it.
- Reinstall the throttle body. After everything is cleaned up, it's time to re-install the throttle body. Reverse the process by attaching it to the intake, attaching the cable or clip, and re-install the air hose. Make sure the hose clamp is hand-tight to prevent leaks. Connect the battery and that’s it.
Final Words
Cleaning your throttle body is simple. With the right tools, cleaners, and a little know-how, anyone can do it. If you need specific tools or a new throttle body, JEGS is here to help. Our techs are standing by, calling, or sending us a message online today.
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