Has anyone cleaned their throttle body with the car running? If so, have you had any problems afterwards? Feel any difference in power/throttle response?
I searched the forums but couldn't find definitive answers - some recommend cleaning the TB with the car off, some while the car is running...

 

you can try and clean the TB with the car running..but you will notice the engine choke and stall right after you pull the MAF off the throttle housing. (not good for the car or engine). Please leave your car off when doing this.

 

Some people have done it by cracking the accordion rubber hose open just enough to spray TB cleaner without stalling the car completely. I just wonder if it makes any difference compared to cleaning it with the car off.

 

why would you do that..you need to be able to get to the buttefly plate where most of the grime is. Inpossible by cracking off a little bit of the accordian. The car runnning only makes things HARDER and will not imprive cleaning at all. Turn off your car and do it the right way. Spray the TB cleaner insdie the throrrle body and clean the plate in the inside. Then pull the throttle cable to hold the plate open and clean the back of the plate taking your time.

 

It makes a huge difference! You get the entire intake clean right down to the intake valves. I start by cleaning it by hand, then I put the intake back on, start the car and let it warm up for a bit. A warm intake will clean up easier then cold. As Zirafa stated, just pull back the accordion a little bit to crack it open. Start the car, it will start and idle correctly. Next spray the cleaner into the crack while blipping the throttle to keep the RPM's up there. It will want to choke and die out. I run about 1/2 a can through this way. You will see lots of dark smoke coming out your tail pipe and then it clears up which indicates a clean intake.

The trick here is not to let that much air get in after the MAF sensor. When I pull back the accordion, I used some masking tape on the back to seal up most of the crack that opens up on the oppposite end your spraying into. The less air you allow into the intake after the MAF the less chance of the car stalling out during this procedure. Get creative!

I guarantee you'll notice a nice change in performance and a much smoother idle.

 

Doing it with the car running may also clean the air paths after the TB like the intake manifold, etc.

 

had no idea that was possible... im done post whoring for today

 

I've never done that before either. I'll give it a try this w/e.

 

I do it all the time.

1st clean with car OFF.
Start the car. Run it for 5min
Turn car off. Disconect the mAF sensor.
Turn car on, and spray the TB cleaner.
Make sure its for Fuel ingected cars(do not use carb cleaner)

Now spray for like 5-10seconds at a time and wait. Dont spray constantly cause u will burn ur CAT. After like 1/4 or more stop.

Turn off car. connect everyhting and go for a spin.

 

I just cleaned it with the car running. I disconnected the vaccum line on the manifold that's right next to the TB. I hooked up a piece of fuel line to the fitting and sprayed the cleaner into the hose.

Perfect

As soon as my filter is dry and reoiled, I'll take it for a spin.

 

This thread reminds me, I need to clean mine, its been over a year. As njmaxseltd stated, the best way is with the engine running...