Cleaning throttle body!

[Bradley G]

Well I took you guy's advice and cleaned the throttle body today.I was amazed at how much Gunk was in there!I noticed that it runs very well!idles nice smooth!I would reccomend this to any one who has driven it a year or more with average mileage.
Bradley G

[Zack]

Yes, this is a condition caused by driving the car like a whimp.
I have 20,000 miles on mine and its clean as a whistle.
No offense Brad.

[CBT]

What did you use to clean it with?

[Cobra25]

Well I took you guy's advice and cleaned the throttle body today.I was amazed at how much Gunk was in there!I noticed that it runs very well!idles nice smooth!I would reccomend this to any one who has driven it a year or more with average mileage.
Bradley G How many miles on you car when you cleaned it?

[Motorhead350]

Well I took you guy's advice and cleaned the throttle body today.I was amazed at how much Gunk was in there!I noticed that it runs very well!idles nice smooth!I would reccomend this to any one who has driven it a year or more with average mileage.
Bradley G
How do you do it. I know I'm due. Do I disconnect the intake and just wipe it or do I need to stray it with something?

[CRUZTAKER]

Yes, this is a condition caused by driving the car like a whimp.
I have 20,000 miles on mine and its clean as a whistle.
No offense Brad.
I agree, have looked at mine many times....exactly what does it look like dirty????;)

Serious, post picks, because at 25k, I have no idea what you are speaking of.

[Petrograde]

^^^what Barry said^^^

What does it look like?

[Bradley G]

Sorry Guys' no pics!:mad2: I got 16300 and it's one year an one week old!

No offence taken Zack, I Do My Part! Belive Me Dude!:burnout: But my beloved wife nancy Drives her daily, and I can hardly keep that aggressive shift schedule programed into the adaptive portion of the memory!;) I took off the rubber bellows thing, to expose the throttle butterfly and manually opened the two throttle plates and sprayed the snots out of both orifices.This is when a bunch of Black sooty stuff came running back out of the throttle body.I let it sit for a half hour and started the car, it races and stumbles like heII.Then I reved the engine and continued to spray all into both holes at all angles.After I hooked it all back up she ran sweet! I have never had one mis from this car .But I can tell it reves a bit faster!I just used Carquest 1 full, and part of another can.Now I'm ready to test Jay Tuckers' (vendor here)air induction kit !
Bradley G

[GordonB]

Bradley G,
I forgot to mention that you have to pre-position several paper tolels under the throttle body to catch all the drippage!!!
Glad you liked my tip!!!
GordonB

[Bradley G]

Thanks GordonB,

I did end up using a towel there to catch the crap that oozed out!
Bradley G

Bradley G,
I forgot to mention that you have to pre-position several paper tolels under the throttle body to catch all the drippage!!!
Glad you liked my tip!!!
GordonB

[Amsoil_Dealer]

!I just used Carquest 1 full, and part of another can.Bradley G

Carquest what? Carb Cleaner?

Don

[mrjones]

How do you do it. I know I'm due. Do I disconnect the intake and just wipe it or do I need to stray it with something?


You know, it's interesting. The Ford manuals usually say not to use spray cleaners on the throttle bodies, because it will damage the special coating that is used on the inside of the throttle bodies to prevent carbon buildup!! I'm thinking that maybe the special coating isn't really that special!

I haven't had this problem on the MM, but I've had to do it on my Expy and F150. The problem was that the buildup was causing the throttle to be sticky when moving the pedal from idle.

Some of the folks recommend wiping the residue with mineral spirits instead of the spray cleaner. I've used the spray cleaner with no problems.

[wchain]

You know, it's interesting. The Ford manuals usually say not to use spray cleaners on the throttle bodies, because it will damage the special coating that is used on the inside of the throttle bodies to prevent carbon buildup!! I'm thinking that maybe the special coating isn't really that special!

I haven't had this problem on the MM, but I've had to do it on my Expy and F150. The problem was that the buildup was causing the throttle to be sticky when moving the pedal from idle.

Some of the folks recommend wiping the residue with mineral spirits instead of the spray cleaner. I've used the spray cleaner with no problems.

Yeah but the dealer always sells that intake manifold service, and my Service DVD suggests the same thing as well. Make sure you do infact use the whole can, lots of time I see people just clean the throttle body, all that does is wash the oil, and gunk into the manifold itself, where it just sits and collects. So clean it well and you'll be :burnout: in no time!

[Bradley G]

Yes sorry carquest brand carb cleaner
Carquest what? Carb Cleaner?

Don

[Bradley G]

I did not know that Ford suggests not to use this spray.I noticed a slight resistance(binding) opening the throttle plate from it's resting position.After working the linkage back and forth while spraying this was corrected .

Bradley G


You know, it's interesting. The Ford manuals usually say not to use spray cleaners on the throttle bodies, because it will damage the special coating that is used on the inside of the throttle bodies to prevent carbon buildup!! I'm thinking that maybe the special coating isn't really that special!

I haven't had this problem on the MM, but I've had to do it on my Expy and F150. The problem was that the buildup was causing the throttle to be sticky when moving the pedal from idle.

Some of the folks recommend wiping the residue with mineral spirits instead of the spray cleaner. I've used the spray cleaner with no problems.

[TripleTransAm]

Some throttle bodies are coated, some are not. Does anyone know for certain whether Ford coats their throttle bodies with anything? It's because of this coating (whatever 'varnish' type of coating it is) that companies sell both carb cleaners and throttle body cleaners. My understanding is that you do not use carb cleaners on throttle bodies with coatings as this eats away the coating, hence the need for specific throttle body cleaners.

[Bradley G]

I did notice the casting around the inlet is not smooth I wonder if any gains by making it smooth!If thier was a coating inside that throttle body that is effected by regular carb cleaner then mine is gone!But I think the intake is nice and clean now!If that coating is supposed to keep the varnishy deposits off the components, then it didn't work on mine!:D
Bradley G

[wchain]

I did notice the casting around the inlet is not smooth I wonder if any gains by making it smooth!If thier was a coating inside that throttle body that is effected by regular carb cleaner then mine is gone!But I think the intake is nice and clean now!If that coating is supposed to keep the varnishy deposits off the components, then it didn't work on mine!:D
Bradley G
]

Good Point Brad,
I wonder if it was Extrude Honed for a smooth finish what it would be like. Probably would sound SMOOOOOOTH

[jparrie]

I was looking at mine the other day, and there seems to be a buildup of rough carbon like material in a circle where the throttle plates contact the bores. I used some cleaner and a rag trying to scrub it away while the throttle was held open. It seemed like it was going to take more than that effort to remove it, so I left it for another day.

After thinking about it, my marauder only has 4500 miles on it and it seems it would take more than that to accumulate such a buildup. Is it possible that this is a factory finish, applied to mix up the air stream at idle?

[Bradley G]

I noticed this too,the carbon deposits were hard and stuck well.I sprayed with engine cold, generously spraying, opening the throttle manually several times. I let it sit for a half hour and repeated this .I started the car and pulled from garage,continued with the spray treatment while the motor was running.This was causing the motor to race and stumble.PVC line disconnected.If you have extended idle time or if someone drives her like a Puzzy (not Me!)then you may want to do this twice a year or as needed.

Bradley G


I was looking at mine the other day, and there seems to be a buildup of rough carbon like material in a circle where the throttle plates contact the bores. I used some cleaner and a rag trying to scrub it away while the throttle was held open. It seemed like it was going to take more than that effort to remove it, so I left it for another day.

After thinking about it, my marauder only has 4500 miles on it and it seems it would take more than that to accumulate such a buildup. Is it possible that this is a factory finish, applied to mix up the air stream at idle?

[Bradley G]

I wonder what materials methods are used to hone the inside of the intake.Where the throttle plates are the opening is polished smooth.But at the opening ( before throttle plates) the cast metal is extremely rough and porous.

Bradley G


]

Good Point Brad,
I wonder if it was Extrude Honed for a smooth finish what it would be like. Probably would sound SMOOOOOOTH

[MM2004]

I took some images of my throttle body with 2,900 miles on the car this afternoon. I am seeing a black ring just behind the butterflies when wide open. Is this what you are referring to??

Mike.


Well I took you guy's advice and cleaned the throttle body today.I was amazed at how much Gunk was in there!I noticed that it runs very well!idles nice smooth!I would reccomend this to any one who has driven it a year or more with average mileage.
Bradley G

[SergntMac]

Yep...That's it.

[Embassy]

As other's have stated, use a throttle body cleaner that claims that not to remove the special coating from the throttle body.

If you have the extra time and really want to do a thorough job, remove the throttle body and clean it. You'll find that it is a alot easter than reaching over a fender, while trying to hold the blade open.

In addition, you can clean out the upper plenum. Just be sure to keep a good grip on that towel. ;)

These pics might be useful:

http://www.supermotors.org/registry/vehicles/detail.php?id=588&s=20973#content (http://www.supermotors.org/registry/vehicles/detail.php?id=588&s=20973#content)

[Smokie]

I was not paying much attention to this thread figuring it did not apply to me....after all I drive my car with much gusto and spirit....curiosity got the the best of me and I checked....:eek: :eek: Much to my surprise when I opened the throttle plate and stuck my finger in there it came out black oily wet.

So I got my flashlight and looked inside and the entire surface of the upper plenum shines with an oily mist. This oil is not there because I drive like a wimp, the little hose that connects from intake elbow to valve cover is wet with oil and that is the source of this crap....question is...is this normal ???:dunno: :dunno:

[Bradley G]

Yes and after 16000 miles mine was much worse!

Bradley G


I took some images of my throttle body with 2,900 miles on the car this afternoon. I am seeing a black ring just behind the butterflies when wide open. Is this what you are referring to??

Mike.

[Bradley G]

Mine was oily too!

Bradley G


I was not paying much attention to this thread figuring it did not apply to me....after all I drive my car with much gusto and spirit....curiosity got the the best of me and I checked....:eek: :eek: Much to my surprise when I opened the throttle plate and stuck my finger in there it came out black oily wet.

So I got my flashlight and looked inside and the entire surface of the upper plenum shines with an oily mist. This oil is not there because I drive like a wimp, the little hose that connects from intake elbow to valve cover is wet with oil and that is the source of this crap....question is...is this normal ???:dunno: :dunno:

[metroplex]

Cleaning your TB is not recommended. THere's a sealant that Ford and aftermarket TB manufacturer use on the back of the throttle plate.

The sealant should remain there at all times.

That being said... the PCM takes into account a certain amount of air that flows past the closed throttle plate (less than 1/2 #/min IIRC) because some OE throttle plates have a hole in it anyhow.

[DEFYANT]

The gook in the TB and intake is from the PVC line from the valve cover to the rubber air intake. Now, can we put regular little air cleaners in place of the PVC lines? That would keep the intake from the TB to the valves from gettin gooked up.

[jgc61sr2002]

The gook in the TB and intake is from the PVC line from the valve cover to the rubber air intake. Now, can we put regular little air cleaners in place of the PVC lines? That would keep the intake from the TB to the valves from gettin gooked up.


IMO that will not work. The PCV valve is like a check valve and lets the fumes only go one way from the crankcase back into the engine. You would probably get the check engine light to go on as the emissions system will not be functioning correctly.

[DEFYANT]

Right. What I'm saying is, replace the pvc with what amonts to a vent. I wonder if this could be the cause of the blue smoke some people have reported?

[jgc61sr2002]

Right. What I'm saying is, replace the pvc with what amonts to a vent. I wonder if this could be the cause of the blue smoke some people have reported?

That's the way it was done before the emissions systems.

[DEFYANT]

That's the way it was done before the emissions systems.
HMMM, I bet that would fail the visual part of the emissions test... but can it be done with out getting the check engine light?

For the record, I checked my TB and it is comparable to the posts here.

[Bradley G]

any effects now that it has been removed?is this coating have any function besides to keep surfaces clean?anyway to restore coating? benefits?

Bradley G


Cleaning your TB is not recommended. THere's a sealant that Ford and aftermarket TB manufacturer use on the back of the throttle plate.

The sealant should remain there at all times.

That being said... the PCM takes into account a certain amount of air that flows past the closed throttle plate (less than 1/2 #/min IIRC) because some OE throttle plates have a hole in it anyhow.

[TripleTransAm]

That being said... the PCM takes into account a certain amount of air that flows past the closed throttle plate (less than 1/2 #/min IIRC) because some OE throttle plates have a hole in it anyhow.


It should all get metered by the MAF anyway. All roads lead through the MAF, so to speak.

[GordonB]

Hi all,
Sounds like another member's reference to the C5 Corvette PCV filter/drip cup mod is now worth taking a look at for us MMers.
I was really hoping that I would not have to resort to performing Mickey Mouse PCV mods on the MM, but if I have to to keep the engine/TB/Intake clean, then I will do it. :(

GordonB

[QWK SVT]

The gook in the TB and intake is from the PVC line from the valve cover to the rubber air intake. Now, can we put regular little air cleaners in place of the PVC lines? That would keep the intake from the TB to the valves from gettin gooked up.
Lightning owners have been doing it, for a while. It's been determined that this occurs when the gas pedal is quickly lifted, from a wide open throttle situation. A vacuum is created, which pulls oil from the unbaffled valve cover.

As a result, there's several kits out there, that use an oil separator originally designed for an air compressor. I use one of these, and it collects about an ounce or two of oil, every oil change (~2500 miles), depending on how much "spirited" driving is done. I haven't checked lately, to see how much (if any) oil has made it's way into the intake path.

To give you an idea of what I'm talking about, here's Steeda's kit (I think the one I have looks better, BTW), for the S/C 4.6L DOHC in the 03-04 Cobras...
http://www.steeda.com/store/-catalog/enginecooling/555-3710-300.jpg
http://www.steeda.com/PR/Mustang/PR/555-3710.htm

[DEFYANT]

Hi all,
Sounds like another member's reference to the C5 Corvette PCV filter/drip cup mod is now worth taking a look at for us MMers.
I was really hoping that I would not have to resort to performing Mickey Mouse PCV mods on the MM, but if I have to to keep the engine/TB/Intake clean, then I will do it. :(

GordonB
My thought also. Those oil seperators are fugly. But if they keep things from getting gummed up..... :shrug:

[metroplex]

Yes the filters used inline with the PCV line have been in use for awhile on Lightnings.

I see no need to do this on N/A vehicles. Why?

Lightning owners use the filters to prevent oil from puddling in their INTERCOOLERS which can reduce the cooling ability of the intercooler to reduce intake air temp.

Unless you have a blower... there's zero need to do any of that unless there's a LOT of oil puddling in your intake manifold.

[SergntMac]

Yes the filters used inline with the PCV line have been in use for awhile on Lightnings.

I see no need to do this on N/A vehicles. Why?

Lightning owners use the filters to prevent oil from puddling in their INTERCOOLERS which can reduce the cooling ability of the intercooler to reduce intake air temp.

Unless you have a blower... there's zero need to do any of that unless there's a LOT of oil puddling in your intake manifold.
Owner's experience in the field seem to say otherwise. What is "a lot" of oil? Where do we draw the line on what is normal and acceptable PCV operation meeting the designer's intent, and what is not?

I posted about this a few weeks ago, and mentioned a check valve from Earl's that I am still testing for effectiveness. Of course, I believe my problem is due to the supercharger actually sucking oil up through the PCV, rather than just allowing normal venting, but I'm still testing. I also have an oil separator on hand, in the event this is not the answer, and I am not looking forward to needing to add that.

[gdmjoe]

SergntMac - Owner's experience in the field seem to say otherwise. What is "a lot" of oil? Where do we draw the line on what is normal and acceptable PCV operation meeting the designer's intent, and what is not?

I posted about this a few weeks ago, and mentioned a check valve from Earl's that I am still testing for effectiveness. Of course, I believe my problem is due to the supercharger actually sucking oil up through the PCV, rather than just allowing normal venting, but I'm still testing. I also have an oil separator on hand, in the event this is not the answer, and I am not looking forward to needing to add that.
Mac ... You need this (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14402). :D

[SergntMac]

Mac ... You need this (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14402). :DThanks for the suggestion, Joe, I'll take a breather on this. BTW, we took one of those off two weeks ago, but may be trying it again.

[Haggis]

Mac ... You need this (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14402). :D


Mac& Joe, we purchased on of these for Chris' Firehawk and I talked to Metco about it for the Marauder. I was told they had tried to fit one on TAF's car and had clearance issues between the breather and the hood. This was a couple of months ago, maybe they fixed the clearance issue at this time. :dunno:

[mrjones]

[QUOTE=Smokie] Much to my surprise when I opened the throttle plate and stuck my finger in there it came out black oily wet.

I remember seeing somewhere that full synthetic caused the buildup to be much more rapid than using conventional oil. The first time that I ran across this problem was in my Expedition, and I've always used Syntec or Mobil 1 in it.

[wchain]

Mac& Joe, we purchased on of these for Chris' Firehawk and I talked to Metco about it for the Marauder. I was told they had tried to fit one on TAF's car and had clearance issues between the breather and the hood. This was a couple of months ago, maybe they fixed the clearance issue at this time. :dunno:

Joe's Car is a Crown Vic- 2V motor.....

[Haggis]

Joe's Car is a Crown Vic- 2V motor.....

Yes, but Mac's isn't. And neither is mine. ;)

[metroplex]

If the oil is such a big issue, disable the PCV entirely. Pop a breather in your PCV grommet, pop a breather in your breather grommet. Then disable the PCV through your PCM (SCT software or have a SCT tuner do it for you) and enjoy the noxious oil mist spraying around in your engine compartment... but sleep soundly knowing your supercharger isn't sucking oil through the PCV (just like the Lightnings BTW) and caking your intercooler with oil.

The Lightnings have great success using parallel air filters to maximize filtration capacity and to miinimize flow reduction.

Just because you have a supercharged 4.6 4V doesn't mean that your motor somehow defies the laws of physics and mechanical engineering that would normally apply to the 5.4l 2V V8... I would see what the Lightning owners are doing.

Last I checked... the dual/triple separators were working fine. If you think they look ugly... then you won't want to do the ultimate fix by just venting everything.