So I went to Advanced Auto today and picked up a can of Valvoline Synpower TB VB cleaner to do my TB. It's amazing how they don't carry any brushes that will fit in the opening of the TB that can also withstand the harsh cleaning properties of the TB cleaner. So I used a toothbrush, And to no amazement the toothbrush plastic just can't take the harshness of the TB cleaner. The bristles were fine, but the handle started to get a little soggy on me. Anyway, I was surprised however how much crap came out of my TB with only 93k on my engine. I'm not to sure if the cleaning really did anything for power, but it may have brought my idle down by like 50 to 70 rpm, maybe. I also purchased a bottle of redline fuel system cleaner, I have used it in other cars and was pleased with results. Also When I went to school for auto tech the instructor told us if we are ever looking for a good fuel system cleaner, look for something that meets or exceeds BMW Mercedes standards, which redline does. Cleaning my TB may have giving my a little more throttle response back, but I didn't notice it because I put over 100lbs of fuel in right after doing it. But to me I think it's a psycological thing that makes others think cleaning the TB give all sorts of gains. Just my .02 <edited>

 

Typically cleaning the TB won't give you any gains, perhaps a better throttle response from letting the car breathe easier. The main advantages are the idle smooths out, cold starts are easier, and the plate sticks less, making the accelerator pedal movement smoother.

I've usually used Chevron Techron in my fuel tank every 30k.

 

just FYI techron never sees your TB, unless something is way wrong, but im sure u knew that

 

seafoam is your best friend.

 

Yup - my comment was in response to his use of "Redline" as a fuel system cleaner.

 

Missed it, gotcha. From what i know OTC techron is the best, if ur gonna order get some FP

 

I recently used Chevron Techron for the first time, although the stealership has sold me a two-part BG02 fuel system additive twice before. It strikes me that at your mileage, njmodi, every 30K isn't often enough. I think I'll use Chevron Techron every 2nd oil change, if I don't get some FP for the next go around.

 

You should clean your IACV as well, Groundz, and report back. I recently had my TB cleaned for free when I bought a fuel filter as a promotion at a new local Lubeworld.
My idle, in fact, increased for awhile but has settled back to where it was before (about 700 rpms).

I have yet to clean my IACV and EGR valves.

 

I cleaned my throttle body about a week ago and it's been idling at 1500-2000 ever since then. It does have better throttle response though. I actually took my throttle body off and cleaned it, I don't know how you can do a very good job with it still on the car.

 

What did you screw up in the process for your engine to idle at 1500 - 2000?

 

Wooo, after cleaning it's idiling at 1500-2000, you def. have another issue. Or, did it always idle that high?

 

That idle is just wrong!!! You've either got the butterfly plate stuck or screwed up a vacuum line while you were at it.

I agree, that there is so much gunk behind the plate and the best way to clean it is to pull the TB off the plenum.

 

Bobo - perhaps I'll switch to every year/15k (whichever comes first). I think every other oil change is probably excessive for me given the miles I run... but should be ok in your case.

 

I wish I could find my haynes manual, I lost it in a recent move. I'm sure it will turn up if I look a little harder. FP? sorry be easy on a newb. My idle did go up to like 1000 rpm for about 3-5mins, but just letting it idle seemed to burn up any extra cleaner in the mani. As soon as I find my haynes manual I'll be pulling the IACV and the EGRV. If all goes as planned I have a place to store and work on the max over the 7 months of winter. Just kidding, but winter seems to be the longest season here in Upstate NY.

 

FP refers to Lubecontrol FP60. It, along with Lubecontrol LC20, are highly recommended ny members of www.bobistheoilguy.com (aka BITOG). Check out the Additives forum there. To learn more about Lubecontrol products, which are available only through their website, see www.lubecontrol.com.

I have yet to try them, but will in due course. Shipping to Canada is somewhat problematic with brokerage fees, etc.

Another product you may not have heard of is AutoRX. Read up about it on BITOG
and www.auto-rx.com. I am currently running AutoRX through its rinse phase before switching to synthetic oil for the first time. It helps clean the engine internals, crankcase and ring packs and has solved many a leaky seal problem in various vehicles, including rear main seals.

 

I believe the stickies include a procedure for cleaning the IACV.

 

yeah there is, I just like to have my haynes just incase I get a little ambitious and want to take something else off to clean. I tend to do that, and W/O my haynes, it's not a good idea, I like to play it safe since it's my only other ride except for the work van.

 

Try the public library. They might have one. Photocopy the relevant pages. Your's may well turn up in due course.

 

Wow, thanks for your helpful response. FYI-I didn't "screw" anything up in the process. I don't know how mechanically inclined you are but taking off a throttle body is one of the easiest things I've done to my car, maybe you don't understand the whole process

It didn't idle that high before but it did wander a little from time to time, I think I know what the problem is but I'm going to just start another thread instead of hijacking this one.

 

just got finished reading up on oils and the LC products, LC sounds like they have something there, Anything on goup deal? I also drive a Dodge sprinter with a mercedes turbo diesel (work van) and the more miles I can get out of it the better, since I'm an independent contractor. I'll also be able to right it off even if I do use it in my car

 

Not sure about a group deal on LC. kcryan had a coupon for them recently but I think it might have just expired. Perhaps you would get a discount if a BITOG member. I know you can get an introductory BITOG discount for AutoRX.

 

Im workin on a group deal, time will tell, but with or without it you still get a whole lot of a great product for a great price.

 

Speak of the devil and who shall appear, lol!