How to clean 3.2 throttle body

polizei · 08-22-2008, 04:54 AM

Does anyone have a recommendation on how to clean a 3.2 throttle body? Thanks guys.

Rot 911 · 08-22-2008, 04:57 AM

I assume you are removing it. If so, get some spray brake cleaner, take it outside and spray the inside and outside liberally. The brake cleaner will not leave any residue and dries fast.

richde · 08-22-2008, 06:19 AM

After you see how much gunk is in your throttle body you wonder how much is in the intake runners.

Cue the slippery slope

KTL · 08-22-2008, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richde

After you see how much gunk is in your throttle body you wonder how much is in the intake runners.

Answer: A LOT more. If the oil tank has ever been overfilled (100% probability) then that oil gets spit into the intake via the oil tank vent hose that goes into the rubber elbow atop the throttle body.

Agreed that it should be removed to clean. It's not too hard to remove and you can reinstall w/out replacing the large sealing o-ring if it's still pliable and soft. If the o-ring is hard, it may not re-seal well and you'll have an air leak w/ a lean running condition. Should be able to source the o-ring at a local hardware store if you need one in a pinch. If not, Pelican should of course have one.

Zef · Zef's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by KTL

Answer: A LOT more. If the oil tank has ever been overfilled (100% probability) then that oil gets spit into the intake via the oil tank vent hose that goes into the rubber elbow atop the throttle body.

.

To cure this..I disconnected it and put a filter at it's end.

polizei · 08-22-2008, 08:26 AM

Is there any amount of cleaning that can be done to the inside of the manifold while it's still bolted to the motor and the throttle body is off? MAN! I should have cleaned the manifold while it was completely disassembled!

911 Rod · 911 Rod's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt V

I assume you are removing it. If so, get some spray brake cleaner, take it outside and spray the inside and outside liberally. The brake cleaner will not leave any residue and dries fast.

Why not use throttle body cleaner?
The stuff is actually intended to be used while the car is running. I wouldn't use it while running my Porsche, but I have used this technique on lesser cars.

KTL · 08-22-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zef

To cure this..I disconnected it and put a filter at it's end.

So did I. I put a baffled oil catch can on the hose. It seems to catch more condensation than oil!

The only thing i'd use to clean the intake installed is that Seafoam stuff that you feed the engine from the intake while running. Never used it myself though. You can swab out the inside of the intake with a long screwdriver and a bundle of paper towels attached to it. But it won't get everything out from the six intake runners you can't reach.

It's really not a big deal. There's thousands of 3.2's running around with oil film sitting in the intake.

55rag · 08-22-2008, 09:21 AM

I recently had my intake out for easier access to the front of the engine and noticed the throttle body was caked with gunk. I took it off the manifold and sprayed it with Seafoam which got the soft stuff off but I had to use brake cleaner to get the baked on carbon off especially around the butterfly. I did replace the o-ring. After I put everything back together I did notice better throttle response but I also replace cap, rotor and wires at the same time.

If you use Seafoam you have to let it soak for quite awhile.