1FSTMAX

iTrader: (29)

I was having some transmission probs with my Maxima, so I decided to clean the throttle body. Instead of cleaning it by removing the complete intake, and spraying brake cleaner and scrubbing it with a brush.

I cleaned with the TB with the engine running. I loosened the coupler that goes to the TB and mid pipe, and pulled it almost all the way out. I left a small gap so that I could spray the tb with the red straw that come with the brake cleaner. I sprayed it, and gave it gas every time the engine was going to die. I did this for like 2-3 minutes or 3/4 of brake cleaner. Then shut the engine off. Afterwards I checked the TB and it was sparkly clean.

Has anyone used this method?

happyricefob

iTrader: (7)

basically the lazy way of spray and pray...








nope never tried it.

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

Use SeaFoam
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=266435

d_hammmer

I've heard of people spraying Carb Cleaner / Throttle body cleaner into the mid pipe while the car is running, but not "Brake Cleaner".

I'd be concerned about the brake cleaner injested into the running engine and affecting some sensors / seals.

I'd use the brake cleaner on the throttle body if the car was "off" so that it would evaporate and not get into the engine

my99maxisnice

kevlo i thought the seafoam went in the engine past the throttle body, therefore not cleaning it?

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

It cleans the intake manifold, since he cleaned the tb, he should do this.

1FSTMAX

iTrader: (29)

No problem here using brake cleaner.....I have been using it for years to clean, and start cars.

Nismo3112

iTrader: (12)

Where EXACTLY do you put in the Sea Foam?? What about the kind that comes in a bottle? (liquid type)

my99maxisnice

read that thread

Sin

Cleaning your intake/tb with brake cleaner isn't exactly a smart thing to do. It is basically all toluene, which is what intake cleaner is primarily as well. However, brake cleaner is lubeless, while intake cleaner has a certain amount of lube in it on purpose, to lube the tb/iacv/etc.

Also, whatever brake cleaner you are using, do NOT use chlorinated brake cleaner. You MUST use non-chlorinated brake cleaner. Why? Because the chlorinated stuff attacks rubber/plastic. What do you think the gaskets and o-rings in there are made from? A non-chlorinated brake cleaner should work. But why not just use what's intended for it, that is formulated properly for the use?

maxlinegtr

iTrader: (3)

after everything...take out your manifold and clean that...big difference also. if u want u could clean my extra manifold and slap it in yo car.

guido32

This is the way to clean old cars. However, I have heard that newer cars with the MAF Sensor should not be cleaned this way. There is pressure in the intake system before the TB, and this way of cleaning eliminates that pressure and the computer cannot adjust correctly.

I have heard that this can damage the MAF, but I am not sure. The best way to clean is to do it with the car off. It doesn't take much more time.

1FSTMAX

iTrader: (29)

Sure max line, I'll take your VI.


I didn't go through the MAF, i went through the tb. I have done this a few times on Maximas, and have not encountered any problems. I use CRC brake cleaner...

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

I used to liquid type, I took the brake booster line and let it suck it in( tkae hte hose and leave the manifold side in and use het other end of the 6 inch hose to suck the SeaFoam)

izzydig

Having a hard time understanding where you sprayed...but I used the pennzoil type stuff ($3) that says its for throttle bodies (not carbs).

i took the airbox and accordian tube off(including maf sensor). I took a rag and cleaned some carbon out at the TB butterfly plate. Then started engine, sprayed right in there. It choked and sputtered without racing the engine about 2K - 3K, but it got the job done. Alot of black smoke came out. So I think you get pretty good cleaning that way. Had to reset ECU after that.

I can only say it can't be great for engine but worked for me.