Your car’s engine is a finely tuned machine that needs clean air and fuel to run at its best. The throttle body is responsible for controlling the amount of air and fuel that enters the engine. If the throttle body gets dirty, it can cause poor performance and decreased gas mileage. In this guideline, I will show you how to clean your throttle body using simple tools and supplies that you probably have in your garage.
Throttle Body:
The throttle body is a component of the fuel injection system. It is located between the air filter and the intake manifold. The throttle body controls the amount of air that enters the engine. This mixture of air and fuel is then combusted to generate power.
How to Clean Your Throttle Body: Step By Step Guideline
Over time, the throttle body can become dirty from oil, dirt, and other contaminants. This can cause the throttle body to become less efficient at controlling the air/fuel mixture. As a result, the engine may run lean (too much air, not enough fuel) or rich (too much fuel, not enough air). Either condition can lead to poor performance and decreased gas mileage.
To clean your throttle body, you will need the following supplies:
– A can of throttle body cleaner
– A clean rag or paper towels
– An old toothbrush or other small brush
1. Locate The Throttle Body:
The throttle body is typically located on the side of the engine near the air filter box. In some cases, it may be located on the front or back of the engine.
2. Disconnect The Throttle Body:
Before you can clean the throttle body, you need to disconnect it from the rest of the engine. There are usually two screws or bolts that hold the throttle body in place. Remove these screws or bolts and carefully remove the throttle body.
3. Clean The Throttle Body:
Once the throttle body is removed, you can begin cleaning it. Start by spraying the throttle body cleaner into all of the nooks and crannies. Be sure to get everything nice and wet. Let the cleaner soak for a few minutes to loosen up any stubborn dirt and grime.
Use the old toothbrush or other small brush to scrub away any remaining dirt and grime. Be sure to pay special attention to the butterfly valve and throttle plate. These are two areas that can easily become clogged with dirt and grime.
Once you have scrubbed away all of the dirt and grime, rinse the throttle body off with clean water. Be sure to get all of the cleaners out of the nooks and crannies.
4. Reinstall The Throttle Body:
Once the throttle body is clean, you can reinstall it. Be sure to use the new gasket or seal that came with your throttle body cleaner. This will ensure a tight seal and prevent any leaks.
5. Reconnect The Throttle Body:
Reconnect the throttle body to the rest of the engine. You should hear a click or snap when it is in place. Be sure to hand-tighten the bolts or screws.
6. Start The Engine:
Once the throttle body is reconnected, you can start the engine. Let it idle for a few minutes to allow the cleaner to work its way through the system.
7. Take It For A Spin:
After the engine has idled for a few minutes, take it for a spin around the block. This will help to burn off any remaining cleaner and allow the engine to operate at peak performance.
Cleaning your throttle body is a simple and straightforward process that can be done in about an hour. By taking the time to clean your throttle body, you can improve the performance of your car and save money on fuel costs.
The Reason Why The Throttle Body Clogged:
There are many reasons why your throttle body is clogged. Now I will discuss some of the common reasons:
Oil Contamination:
The throttle body can become clogged for a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons is oil contamination. Over time, oil can seep into the throttle body through the PCV system. The PCV system is designed to remove oil and other contaminants from the engine. However, it is not perfect and some oil will inevitably make its way into the throttle body.
Dirt and Grime:
Another common reason for a clogged throttle body is dirt and grime. As the engine runs, it sucks in air from the outside world. This air can be full of dust, dirt, and other contaminants. Over time, these contaminants can build up on the throttle body and cause it to become clogged.
Bad Air Filter:
The third reason for a clogged throttle body is a bad air filter. The air filter is designed to trap contaminants before they can enter the engine. However, if the air filter is old or dirty, it will not be able to do its job properly and contaminants will make their way into the throttle body.
Faulty EGR System:
Finally, a clogged throttle body can also be caused by a faulty EGR system. The EGR system recirculates exhaust gases back into the engine. However, if the EGR system is not working properly, it can allow contaminants to enter the engine and clog the throttle body.
Prevent Throttle Body From Clogging:
Now that you know some of the reasons why your throttle body is clogged, let’s discuss how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Regularly Cleaning:
The best way to prevent your throttle body from becoming clogged is to regularly clean it. I recommend cleaning the throttle body every 30,000 miles or so. However, if you live in a dusty area or do a lot of off-road driving, you may need to clean it more often.
Changing Air Filter:
In addition to regularly cleaning the throttle body, you can also prevent it from becoming clogged by changing your air filter and PCV system on a regular basis. I recommend changing the air filter every 15,000 miles or so. The PCV system should be changed every 30,000 miles or so.
EGR System:
Finally, you can also prevent your throttle body from becoming clogged by maintaining your EGR system. I recommend having the EGR system serviced every 30,000 miles or so.
By following these simple tips, you can prevent your throttle body from becoming clogged and keep your car running at peak performance.
Watch the video below to know more about How to Clean Your Throttle Body:
FAQs:
Q: What is a throttle body?
A: A throttle body is a device that controls the amount of air that enters the engine. The throttle body is located between the air filter and the intake manifold.
Q: What are the symptoms of a clogged throttle body?
A: The symptoms of a clogged throttle body include reduced engine power, decreased fuel economy, and rough idle.
Q: Can I clean my throttle body with WD-40?
A: No, you should not use WD-40 to clean your throttle body. WD-40 is not designed for cleaning carburetors or throttle bodies and can damage the components.
Q: How often should I clean my throttle body?
A: I recommend cleaning your throttle body every 30,000 miles or so. However, if you live in a dusty area or do a lot of off-road driving, you may need to clean it more often.
Q: Does a dirty throttle body cause low mpg?
A: Yes, a dirty throttle body can cause decreased fuel economy. When the throttle body is clogged, it restricts the airflow to the engine. This restriction can decrease fuel economy by up to 10%.
Q: Can I clean my throttle body with brake cleaner?
A: Yes, you can use brake cleaner to clean your throttle body. However, you should only use brake cleaner if the throttle body is extremely dirty. If the throttle body is only lightly soiled, you can use a carburetor cleaner or throttle body cleaner.
Q: What is the difference between a carburetor cleaner and a throttle body cleaner?
A: Carburetor cleaners and throttle body cleaners are both designed to clean carburetors and throttle bodies. However, carburetor cleaners are typically more aggressive than throttle body cleaners. This means that they can remove more dirt and grime but may also damage delicate components. Throttle body cleaners are less aggressive and therefore safer to use but may not be as effective at removing tough grime and dirt.
Conclusion:
A clogged throttle body can cause a variety of problems for your car from decreased performance to decreased fuel economy. That’s why it’s important to regularly clean your throttle body to prevent these problems from occurring. By following the tips in this guideline, you can keep your throttle body clean and your car running at peak performance.
I hope that my discussion helped you a better understanding of the throttle body and how to clean it. If you have any further questions or concerns about – How to Clean Your Throttle Body for Peak Performance, please feel free to post them in the comments section below. I will be happy to answer them.