Can I clean a Throttle Body properly without total removal?

biketrax · Post by **biketrax** » 17 Oct 2016, 08:32

I am curious if I can get a decent cleaning of the throttle body without removing it totally?
This way I can notice if the problem persist and comes back.
I have been reading that without removal of the manifold the TB can be a pain in removal.
I haven't come across anyone that mentioned a cleaning without removal.
thanks
PS when do you suggest that a TB replacement in necessary? Other than a mechanical piece that may be broken or worn out?

Post by **F250** » 17 Oct 2016, 09:02

I can't speak to a regular cleaning schedule, but I recently did the one on my daughter's 2.5T when I did the PCV system replacement. The intake manifold had to come off for that job anyway, so I just added the TB cleaning to the job while I was already "in there."

Having therefore done the job myself, I cannot imagine even trying to clean the TB without removing it from the manifold, and that is more easily accomplished by first removing the manifold for the cleaning job. Otherwise, you are not going to be able to clean both sides of the flapper in the TB, and both sides should be cleaned. Before you do this, make sure that you have a good 10mm crows foot wrench to get that last manifold bolt by the power steering pump, and know that it does not have to come completely out of the block... just loosen it... there is a slot in the manifold to accommodate slipping it off that bolt while the bolt is still in the block.

Post by **oragex** » 17 Oct 2016, 12:02

On a non turbo it's easy to clean it in place in and out, on turbo models I think it's placed differently and not accessible

biketrax · Post by **biketrax** » 17 Oct 2016, 19:02

Yes its a turbo! hence a pain!
And as F250 did I planned doing the same in replacing the PCV system while cleaning the throttle body.
thanks

Post by **F250** » 17 Oct 2016, 19:49

Well, then, if you're replacing the PCV, it all has to come apart anyway.

Post by **JRL** » 18 Oct 2016, 07:25

We always clean the TB during a breather job, much easier, also replace the spark plugs at this time
It will run like a new engine when all done.

Yes, non turbos are easy, it's staring right at you, but not with a turbo car, removal is the best option

fixer333 · Post by **fixer333** » 19 Oct 2016, 01:40

I just cleaned mine when doing the PCV system, and with how baked on the residue was, and how much scrubbing/spraying/scrubbing/spraying there was to get it clean, I can not imagine doing it in the car and doing a good job.

Post by **F250** » 19 Oct 2016, 10:23

That was exactly my thoughts as well, fixer333. Even if the TB position on a non-turbo engine is right at the air filter housing , I would still not want to be bent over scrubbing for as long as mine took. Having it off the engine where I can sit at a work table/bench was much more to my liking!