HOW TO CLEAN A THROTTLE BODY !!! D.I.Y. AND SAVE !!

[CampinBush]

what if you want to take the TB out and you unclip the wiring. will you run into idle problems?

[towrecker]

@CampinBush you should be fine , just do not turn the key on while it is removed , and the ecm will have no idea it was ever unplugged , but removal for cleaning is added work , that serves no point period ...this is the industry standard for cleaning a tb

[bludika]

i have that exact MAF sensor cleaner from CRC brand, and I'm thinking I should do this too, but do i necessarily need to remove the throttle body? is it okay for things go back inside the engine? i'm not worried about the cleaner since that thing evaporates within seconds, but i'm just curious about the gunk that might wash down into the engine.

[towrecker]

@bludika unless your engine has been ran without an air filter , you are not going to hurt anything , the black gunk built up in the throttle body is from back spray when you turn the engine off , it is just dried fuel that has turned to varnish , you are not washing anything down that has not been there before , so don't worry ...

[towrecker]

@bludika btw the mass air flow cleaner is a bit weaker than the throttle body cleaner , that is all , just use a old tooth brush to loosen it like I did , there is no point in purchasing another can for one car , but you can not use throttle body cleaner on a maf sensor just for future reference ...

[bludika]

@towrecker k thanks for your reply

[cybillify]

not sure if this works with throttle body but with efi pour half a can of seafoam into the vacuum hose that connects to the drum next to your break fluid(undo the hose from the drum) while the motor is running, shut it off and wait five mins. start it and let idle till exhaust is normal looking. it really cleans nicely

[towrecker]

@cybillify it washes all the crap from the intake manifold into the cylinders , causes upper cylinder dryness whill you are running it through , and all the crap you wash down winds up in the ring lands of the piston , seafoam is snake oil , it also will never see the throttle body either , it goes in after it , the throttle body cleaner will displace some stuff yes , but it evaporates so quick , by the time you get it back together , its dry , and contamination is very minimal seafoam dont work

[Zubirrex]

@towrecker I totally agree with this. To clean the throttle body and intake manifold correctly, you have to remove them, in my opinion. Just spraying carb cleaner in there is just washing all the gunk down further into your motor.

[kollak01]

the clayamp

[LaneVines]

Funny stuff on the wife's tooth brush...

[towrecker]

@LaneVines she beat me when she seen the video lol

[GuyNSD4U]

Thank you. I will check it out tomorrow as it is already dark tonight. Thanks again.

[GuyNSD4U]

I am having such a hard time trying to find a video/instructions on how to fix my idle problem on my Ford Explorer XLT 2000 model. It is doing exactly what you just explain why this car is not idling good. Any suggestions?

[towrecker]

@GuyNSD4U clean the throttle body , and mass air flow meter , I have a video on that too , if that does not fix the idle clean the idle air control valve , video of that too , if it still does not fix it start look in for a vacuum leak , or to the ignition system ie. plugs wires ect ...

[hondahobbiter14]

what cam and how much ????

[towrecker]

@hondahobbiter14 what ? you lost me here ...

[hondahobbiter14]

@towrecker whats the camera and how much

[Immaculite]

wife's tooth brush... checked.

[sonyviva308]

Your wife must be proud of you.. Because of the toothbrush.

[towrecker]

@sonyviva308 lol , I save the old ones for stuff like this , she did hit me when she watched the video though for saying that :)

[sykcobra]

@towrecker thanks for your info man. I checked my TB today and it was filthy black! I'm guessing it was just build up. Anywho I cleaned it real good today like you showed us on your vid and it worked! No more idling problems. Thanks bro

[towrecker]

@sykcobra well glad to help , it must have been so bad that it was sticking open lol , never seen one that bad before , glad you got it taken care of , just think you saved yourself about $150 by doing it yourself , they would have ripped you off most likely , and just cleaned it , lots of garages are cons anymore , it's just not like it used to be anymore :(

[raton702]

Oh thank you so much amigo ,Id all you told me and come exactly and come as you said , hard to start, smoke I just test the truck on the freeway at 75 mph and the check engine light dont come back anymore thanks again:)

[raton702]

How manny parts I needed to clean since I don't know I was running without air filter señor? since I bough my truck used and I didn't notice until week later the check engine comes on And code Says MAF sensor malfunction of course it is so dirty and felty buy this carburetor cleaner at Walmart and it says use the whole can into it moving butter flight at the same time and then run the engine ASAP what are think about this ? Thanks señor !!

[towrecker]

@raton702 do not use carburetor cleaner period , you can use mass air flow cleaner to clean the mass air sensor , and the throttle body both , but don't use throttle body cleaner on both , it will harm the mass air sensor , walmart sales the exact can I show in the video , it works , and will cause no harm ,just get a can ,when you remove the air duct from the throttle body , also remove the mass air sensor from that duct , and wash the duct with degreaser and a garden hose , let every thing dry

[towrecker]

@raton702 before you put it back together and start the truck , it will be hard to start most likely , just keep the key turned to start and wait , it usually takes about 20 seconds after you clean a throttle body to get it started , and it will smoke for a min or two , just let it run till it clears up , after that look up my video "how to turn off a check engine light" easy and simple , and you should be set !

[sykcobra]

Great vid man. I have a 2001 silverado 5spd with an idling problem. When I take it out of gear it accelerates on its own to sometimes 3,000 RPM. Could this possibly be due to a dirty TB?

[towrecker]

@sykcobra if it is sticking yes that could be it , but I would unhook the throttle cable at the throttle body , and work it back and forth and check it to make sure it moves freely , sounds like it may be bad to me , there are things that can cause a high idle , a vacuum leak can cause it , buy 3,000 is a bit excessive for those , check the cable , if it is sticking and tight , or has a catch in it , do lot oil it ect. replace it trust me , the life or engine you save will be your own !

[FlatwoodsDairyLLC]

I take the whole thing out and clean all the ports that clog up

[jjlwis]

I just cleaned my TB on my Toyota... and i think a little bit of the glove i was wearing got stuck and went down the intake... is that bad? the car had a bit of a hard time starting up, but i think it was because i just cleaned my MAF and the Throttle Body as well... the car run's MUCH smoother... I just hope that bit of glove doesn't affect anything..

[towrecker]

@jjlwis they tend to start hard after due to the cleaner , that is normal , as for the bit of glove , it will burn up in there , I would not worry about it ..

[jjlwis]

@towrecker cheese and crackers, thank you lord! and thank you for the quick reply! you sir should do more DIY video's you are BY FAR the BEST instructor on youtube... no joke, and i know many tech's and Mechanics... and even they cut corners... you sir DO NOT! I like the way you are through in your explanation and in repeating things so they stick in my head..!

[towrecker]

@jjlwis I have two channels on youtube , the other is "beltstowing" you might learn something over there too lol

[snozdog]

Good vid man, answered a question i needed to ask. Thanks for the upload.

[princemarcel]

Hey towrecker,  I would be super grateful if you did an DIY tune up vid for our CV's...

[towrecker]

@princemarcel I can make ya vid , will be a day or two though , it is so easy , this video is part of a true tune up , now that you have done this , look for my video on how to clean an idle air control valve , and mass air flow sensor/ meter , all that's left is changing the spark plugs , and an oil change , the plug swap is all that there is not video of , and I will make one ...be sure to sub this channel , and "beltstowing" also , I post to both , and it could land on either channel ...

[princemarcel]

@towrecker, hey no rush man, I know you have a life lol but yeah, im grateful for these vids. The way you take the time to explain things are helpful. I actually watched the other two vids and completed them this morning. And i can feel the extra power now.WOW. Now im waiting on the rest(plugs and oil change)..I have a 2000 cvpi. I've been searching for DIY vids for our cars for the longest and im glad the search has come to an end. Thank you again. and I will def sub both channels.

[towrecker]

@princemarcel I have the fill oil change and underside service in a video , so look for it too

[NinjaTTT]

and after cleaning your throttle you put your wife tooth brush back... XD

[towrecker]

@NinjaTTT no , I saved it for latter auto cleaning jobs lol , she would have shot me with her .40 cal. !!! yup she packs heat lol

[85musico]

Hi I liked your video I tried doing to my 92 Chevy camaro 5.7 tpi engine and it's still doing the same problem it turns off on me on every red light do you think it might be the iac please help

[towrecker]

@85musico it could be several things , a engine in bad need of a tune up can do that too , if the spark plugs are very worn , and the gap way to wide ....cleaning won't hurt anything , so I assume you have the cleaner , so I would start there for kicks , can't hurt

[pornos60]

my car car keeps turning off wen i drive it if i cleand my throttle would that fix the problem ?thanks

[towrecker]

@pornos60 clean it and the mass air flow sensor , and hope for luck , there are several things that can cause it , those are the 2 easy ones , next try a new fuel filter

[Israel1609822]

i Clean Mine, But After That I Got a P0507 Code,

[towrecker]

@Israel1609822 well just a guess tells me you used carb cleaner to do this right ? not specific throttle body cleaner ? if that is what you have done , it a safe guess you have removed the coating from the inside of the throttle body , and also have an high idle ?

[rehtardeudpossum]

@towrecker looking online, some of these carb cleaners also say throttle body cleaner. Is it safe then?

[towrecker]

@rehtardeudpossum some throttle body's have a coating inside , if you happen to use a cleaner that removes it , you are in for lots of issues ... products made universal , do they always work as they should ? stick with throttle body spray , or the mass air spray it is just weaker is all ...

[NEVERENDS90]

is one of the 2 little hose in 2.52 is for the air idle control valve? whats the other one for?

[towrecker]

@NEVERENDS90 crank case ventilation it connects to the valve cover , notice it at the beginning of the vid ...

[jlive555]

grab your "Wife's" toothbrush XD

[towrecker]

@jlive555 works like a charm !

[ghm15231]

My car developed an idling problem today. I was lucky enough to find your video on how to clean a throttle body. After watching your video tutorial, I thought I'd give it a shot so I went to the auto parts store for some carburetor cleaner. Everything went as planed that's to you... and now my car idles as good as new!

Thanks very much!

[towrecker]

@ghm15231 your welcome !

[JohnMc52]

I really like your video style. You make things simple, thanks!

[towrecker]

@JohnMc52 I try my best , many thanks !!

[cipriano2010xx]

I clean the throtle now the wife theeth are black

[towrecker]

@cipriano2010xx lmao !!

[816warrior]

Very helpful video, right after I cleaned everything up I noticed more responsiveness in my throttle. Thank you!

[towrecker]

@816warrior it will make a major change in how they run for sure , just add this job to your maintenance calender say every 3-4 oil changes , it will not be really bad then , and you will keep that crisp throttle response you like !

[ProTrickster]

I think your videos are pretty clear and helpful, however; if you could post some about 98 mustangs that would be really helpful to, not many ppl show the detail or explanations that you have in yours, thanks

[towrecker]

@ProTrickster if your stang is a 4.6 it should all about be the same , just the stuff is placed slightly different under the hood , but you should be able to figure it out just the same ...

[cliffcox66]

NO WAY! The dealer was going to charge me $150 for this! Thank you brother.

[towrecker]

@cliffcox66 just think of your car as a stray dog , and the dealer a dog catcher ...catch what I am saying , they are not your friend , 150 for that job is crazy , I might see $50 even though it is still very high in my book , but from the dealership's point you have to pay the service writer , the mechanic , and the lady that takes your money too so I could see that , but $150 !! RUN MY FRIEND RUN LIKE H3LL !!! LOL

[cliffcox66]

@towrecker I just cleaned the MAF and the Throttle body. It was so easy. Thank you for helping me in my life to not expend extra money I don't need to. The MAF was pretty clean. The throttle body, though had a lot of black carbon on it. I had to crank it a few times to start and it sputtered. but started and ran better than ever. If you're ever in Cali. I'll buy lunch as a thanks.

[towrecker]

@cliffcox66 if you spray a large amount in while cleaning they will sputter a bit , but that's of no harm lol , and if I ever make it out there , I am looking you up , free lunch , can't pass that up ;)

[cliffcox66]

@towrecker Hey, been driving it around all day. Much more responsive and sensitive. I used to step down gradually and then the engine would finally wind up, from a stop light. Now all pressure on the pedal is responsive. I have an 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The inside was black with carbon. Im sure my installation of a K&N intake made it dirtier.

[towrecker]

@cliffcox66 k&n filters are really only good for racing , they just catch about 50% of what a good paper filter will , also I have never seen a car that gained anything from having one either ...

[torau666]

u got the best mechanic vids on u tube 4 sure. keep it up

[towrecker]

@torau666 thanks

[IMCHILLIN227NYC]

HA!! wife's toothbrush... good video. thanks.

[towrecker]

@IMCHILLIN227NYC she will never notice ;)

[MechanicDan1]

I had to do that a few times to my Townie. I used NAPA carb, choke, and tb cleaner and when I turned her over she was smellin like rotted eggs for 2 days

[towrecker]

@MechanicDan1 rotten eggs lol

[parkairfreerunning]

@MechanicDan1 its getting rid of all of the shit in your motor man...

[mesinspector]

Wheeewweee... just cleaned the TB on a 94 Toyota T100 v6 with 205k on the clock... by gosh... my toothbrush is ruined that thing was soo gunked up!! Dont think it was ever done. Thanks for the information!! Did the MAP sensor too.

[mesinspector]

@mesinspector ; did the map with the map sensor cleaner you used on another video. thanks again!!

[mesinspector]

@mesinspector sorry... MAF sensor. 

[towrecker]

@mesinspector it is the most over looked service item on a car lol

[philiptong81]

do you need to disconnect the negative cable on the car battery first as a safety measure? thanks!

[towrecker]

@philiptong81 nope , just keep the key in your pocket for safety , and don't try and start it , while it's apart

[philiptong81]

@towrecker sounds good. Just finished cleaning it and noticed a much smoother acceleration. thanks for the great video!

[digital4282]

Hey man, can you make a video of how to clean the EGR Valve/ports? My 2000 CVPI has 185k miles on it and I am sure it needs cleaned. I haven't been able to pass e-check so I plan on cleaning the MAF, EGR, and TB tomorrow. I am unemployed right now, so anything I can do to clean this stuff on the cheap is great! What sucks is that I am failing, but the computer isn't throwing any codes ... ugh. For once in my life I actually want to see the CEL illuminate so I have something to go on! LOL Thanks!

[towrecker]

@digital4282 most likely a sticky egr valve , just pull it off and you will see the crud , on vacation at the moment , or I would clean mine , it prob does need it at 148 k lol

[towrecker]

@digital4282 have you checked the spark plugs ? if it's an old police unit , I bet they came from ford , pull one , and check the gap on it , I bet they are to wide , and that will cause you to fail too !!

[ghtowagon]

Those engine cover nuts sometimes seize on real bad.. The whole stud came out on me and I had to use an impact while holding the stud to break it loose.. It worked!

[towrecker]

@ghtowagon can't say I have seen that one , but you were in saltville unlike me , but I have seen many that were missing lol

[ghtowagon]

@towrecker It actually came off fine the 1st time. Then the 2nd time. The aluminum nut froze to the steel stud... I didn't even make it tight. I used a nut driver. Fords are strange.. Its odd that the alternator on these things is not really bolted like most either. 2 10mm bolts that fit into the slots on the bottom of the alt, And the cheeseed bracket with another 2 10mm head bolts with like a 6mm thread. But... It stays in place!

[ghtowagon]

@ghtowagon I forgot to add. WHY two times? The advance auto alternator was JUNK,.. WIPED threads. I learned my lesson. bring your bolts and check the housing if threaded AT The store.. The mexicans who rebuilt the alternators dont check threads on the cores

[towrecker]

@ghtowagon ever wandered why these cars eat heater cores ? those alt mounts are the cause , they loose ground by corrosion , and then the engine will ground through the coolant , thats what the t.s.b. said lol

[ghtowagon]

@towrecker Wow. That does make sense... They also seem to ALWAYS have charging issues from the many I had to drive. The best is when they totally die when the battery runs all the way down and the gauges start seeping.... before it goes kaput.

[ghostdrew1]

ok ill use my wife tooth brush if she smacks me im telling her u told me to lol

[towrecker]

@ghostdrew1 lol ;)

[More350Power]

I know my throttle body is dirty, dont know if being fly by wire means anything .......I want a real throttle lol.

[towrecker]

@More350Power as for cleaning it looks the same on the inside , as for die by wire , I hate it too ;(

[prayb4udie]

hey can u use brake cleaner as well?

[towrecker]

@prayb4udie I would think that you could on the throttle body , but let it evap before trying to start the engine , because it is very flammable unlike throttle body cleaner , but that stuff evaps very quick , so I guess you would be ok lol

[prayb4udie]

@towrecker ok just wanted to see some one told me brake cleaner is good for a lot of things so but just making sure thanks

[KISSITPEOPLE]

thanks i need to do mine.

[TheBebop2010]

where is the air tools man

shead tree machanicing it

[towrecker]

@TheBebop2010 I have air tools , but for everything I put on here , I don't use them , most of the world that would come to youtube for a how to vid , are lucky to have a screw driver lol

[TheBebop2010]

@towrecker so tru ive got tons of snapon tool and never use the just like last week i put a cluth in a 96 f150 300-6 5 speed and used all hand tools y do we do that lol

[towrecker]

@TheBebop2010 pain and suffering , I guess lol