I was tightening my throttle cable today, and figured I'd take a peek in the TB holy $hit is that thing dirty!! I pulled up on the throttle so it opened up and put my finger inside, and it came out black! It needs a cleaning VERY badly, looks like a project for this weekend Is this hurting performance or gas mileage at all w/ it being so dirty? I have 116k miles, I dont think the other owner ever cleaned it out. Mind as well do the fuel filter while I'm at it too...
Justin

 

I could only help to improve your airflow and gas mileage I would think. Right now I would think that the air is experiencing some drag from all of that dirt and gunk as it goes into the engine.

 

After I cleaned mine ~6 months ago, I didn't notice any improvement on gas mileage, but throttle response is definitely much better.

 

Don't spray carbon remover well into the throttle body....it will melt the sensors inside. Instead spray it into a piece of cloth and wipe down the TB

 

should i take off the TB to clean it, or just reach in as far as I can, because it doesnt seem like I can get too much of it w/o taking it off.

 

I used a camera tripod because it is adjustable to hold down the gas pedal. This will open up the two butterfly plates, and allows you to clean the back.

 

search on this forum, i did that job. I cleaned my upper manifild, intake, and IAC valve...is very easy and do it by your self job(be patient!!!). If you have the haynes manual(if not buy it) theres a exelent info to do this job, and avoid damage.

After i did this job i feel a very smooth engine and more gas/m

my car has 130,000 and wooow was so dirty.