Throttle Body cleaning

Umm... what is a throttle body?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bgdrewsif @ May 30 2007, 07:21 AM) [snapback]451972[/snapback]</div>

It's the part of the air intake system that contains the throttle assembly. On a non fuel injected car, it's part of the carburetor.

Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FishHawk @ May 30 2007, 05:49 AM) [snapback]451964[/snapback]</div>

Inspect it to determine how dirty it really is. I would think that it would go 30000 miles with no problems. Just keep track of your gas mileage. If it drops, inspect the throttle body and take appropiate action. The intake is just as dirty as the throttle body. I've seen TV shows (Two Guys Garage on the Speed Channel) where they remove the entire intake system just to clean it
I know people that never have a throttle body cleaned and have well over 100000 miles.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(westex39 @ May 30 2007, 05:27 AM) [snapback]452021[/snapback]</div>

OK, I'll admit my ignorance. Is carburetor cleaner good for that?
I've never worked on anything without a regular carburetor.

Dave M.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dmckinstry @ May 30 2007, 08:33 AM) [snapback]452023[/snapback]</div>

Not quite sure if carburator cleaner is ok. In years past there were some throttle bodies that had a special coating on them that carburator cleaner would remove. To be on the safe side, there is a throttle body cleaner that was specifically designed to clean those types of throttle bodies. I think it was made by 3M.
Anyway, use the throttle body type and no worries.

Cheers

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(westex39 @ May 30 2007, 06:45 AM) [snapback]452031[/snapback]</div>

Thanks.

Dave M.

 

I'd say, open the engine air intake box and look down at the throttle butterfly. If you see soot around the edges, either clean it yourself or ask Toyota for advice.

In classic Prius, the air filter must also be removed to see the butterfly.

 

carb cleaner is not necessarily oxygen sensor safe... throttle body cleaners will say on there "safe for oxygen sensors and computer controlled systems"

realistically, clean the throttle plate maybe every 60k or so. anything beyond that is doing your tech's paycheck a huge favor.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Jun 1 2007, 09:07 PM) [snapback]453713[/snapback]</div>

I used to have my Land-rover dealer clean my throttle body if I am experiencing a decline in miles per gallon. This also smooths out the engine and gets rid of the "warm restart stalling" that will occur if there is any accumulation on the pistons or throttle body of this very lean-running engine. My first experience with "warm restart stalling" scared me (lights up every alarm on the dash and on the TV); just take out the key for a minute, then start the engine and drive normally until it is convenient to get to the dealer; don't drive on the electric motor only, since that will shorten the life of this $3000 battery. The "warm restart stalling" happened first at 90K and then again at 145K, with the throttle body cleaning fixing it perfectly both times... I use both throttle body and Carby cleaner in cleaning most of my car parts like carburettors, throttle bodies, automatic chokes, PCV and EGR valves. Because it is specifically formulated to quickly and easily remove gum, sludge, varnish, grease and dirt build-up on this part and both seems to be a Land-rover oxygen sensor friendly... In fact both cleaners greatly dissolves throttle body deposits in fuel injection systems... No problem at all...