Throttle Body Cleaning

Jasonsupafly · August 9, 2007

2001 Tahoe 4x4 with the 5.3.. 97000 miles.. When the truck had around 50000 miles it started stalling and at idle the rpms would nearly bottom out and almost cut off then jump back around the normal idling range.. took to dealer and they removed entire throttle body and cleaned.. said it was really nasty..within 4 months it was back there and they removed it again for another cleaning and said it was really nasty again.. well between now and then every few months this symptom has returned and I have used the appropriate throttle cleaner and have sprayed the butterfly which gets gummed up every few months and it will idle fine and then the same thing returns... have 2 other 2001 Z71 pickups and have never had to clean anything.. gas is bought for the tahoe at the same places I fill my other trucks at.. anyone have an idea on how to fix this problem and why it gets so dirty in such a short period of time?

asilverblazer · August 9, 2007

Seems like I remember something about different PCV valves for this reason. I think driving habits might have been it too, like short trips with little time with the engine at operating temperature...

Draenor · August 9, 2007

The fuel should have nothing to do with the TB. Some of the oil gases is recircuilated from the heads(Valve cover) thru the PVC to the TB, This is to help emissions. I recall you should be using a fixed oriface PCV. (correct me if I am wrong). But I would try changing that first.

hotwheels57 · August 9, 2007

Most modern engines draw engine "blow by" back through the carburetor/throttle body for a reburn of the vapors (PCV). It's part of the emissions control and it's normal. The fuel also turns to a varnish or gum over time. It attracts dust from the engine compartment and incoming air which compounds the problem.

Periodically use a throttle body specific aerosol cleaner (sensor safe) to clean the gum/oil deposits off the throttle body. You can also use a product called SEAFOAM, available at NAPA or your favorite auto parts supply. It'll clean the entire intake system and combustion chambers, but it'll smoke like a diesel for a while.

Some (foolish) people believe that by bypassing the PCV into the intake with a small open valve cover breather, they'll eliminate the issue. It might reduce it, but it'll still occur. It'll also lead to more polution and the "blow by" leaving film all over the engine compartment as it will no longer be sucked out by engine vacuum as with the PCV. The idea is ok for full race cars, but not wise for street driven vehicles.

It'll also lead to a time in your grandchildrens lives when clean air will be a thing of the past.

brnr17 · August 9, 2007

Most modern engines draw engine "blow by" back through the carburetor/throttle body for a reburn of the vapors (PCV). It's part of the emissions control and it's normal. The fuel also turns to a varnish or gum over time. It attracts dust from the engine compartment and incoming air which compounds the problem.
Periodically use a throttle body specific aerosol cleaner (sensor safe) to clean the gum/oil deposits off the throttle body. You can also use a product called SEAFOAM, available at NAPA or your favorite auto parts supply. It'll clean the entire intake system and combustion chambers, but it'll smoke like a diesel for a while.

Some (foolish) people believe that by bypassing the PCV into the intake with a small open valve cover breather, they'll eliminate the issue. It might reduce it, but it'll still occur. It'll also lead to more polution and the "blow by" leaving film all over the engine compartment as it will no longer be sucked out by engine vacuum as with the PCV. The idea is ok for full race cars, but not wise for street driven vehicles.

It'll also lead to a time in your grandchildrens lives when clean air will be a thing of the past.

is there a certain kind of seafoam to use or is there only 1 kind?

hotwheels57 · August 9, 2007

I think there are different types depending on application (boats, cars, farm equipment, etc), but I've never had reason to use it on my cars. Check their website or your favorite auto parts counter person. Following its use, you need to change oil/filter.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/

Norseman · August 9, 2007

is there a certain kind of seafoam to use or is there only 1 kind?

Use the Deep Creep. Same as the other just comes in a spray can.

Jasonsupafly · August 10, 2007

Thank you for the replies !!

ewiski · August 10, 2007

mine does this about once a year.i just take it off and clean it.its not a big deal.

C & A s Dad · August 10, 2007

Jason, Seafoam makes only one poroduct for engines that I am aware of. However, as Norseman has said, it is avail in a 16 oz bottle # SF 16 or a Spray called Deep Creep DC14. It is a wonderful product and we (CARQUEST) sell hundreds of thousands of cans a year.

The rep for the line for us has a 2000 Suburban and he uses an old electric tooth brush and deep creep on his TB. He simply sprays it down, lets it soak a little and then opens the butterfly and uses the tooth brush to scrub away the crudd.

For those reading this that may have drive by wire, be careful to not overspray any chemical and get it into the electronic controls. Jason, your truck should not be Drive By Wire since it is an 01.

silver03ado · October 15, 2007

I have an 03 Silverado with same stalling problem and it IS drive-by-wire..

Is throttle body cleaner spray or seafoam not good to use on it? Its not sensor-safe?

let me know

thanks guys

jason2006 · October 15, 2007

You can use it, just be careful not to spray a whole lot of it. I like to use a small toothbrush and spray some on it and use that to clean throttle boddies.

dreman · October 16, 2007

I'm not sure if Seafoam will do this, but carburetor cleaner and fuel injector cleaners can eat a new toothbrush! Use an old toothbrush. The same chemical reaction that hits every toothbrush over time and makes the old toothbrush useless for teeth makes it work fine for cleaning engine parts! It's tough getting little bits of melted toothbrush out of your throttle body!

AirForceAngler · October 16, 2007

I'm not sure if Seafoam will do this, but carburetor cleaner and fuel injector cleaners can eat a new toothbrush! Use an old toothbrush. The same chemical reaction that hits every toothbrush over time and makes the old toothbrush useless for teeth makes it work fine for cleaning engine parts! It's tough getting little bits of melted toothbrush out of your throttle body!

Plus your breath will be horrible the next day.

Norseman · October 16, 2007

I'm not sure if Seafoam will do this, but carburetor cleaner and fuel injector cleaners can eat a new toothbrush! Use an old toothbrush. The same chemical reaction that hits every toothbrush over time and makes the old toothbrush useless for teeth makes it work fine for cleaning engine parts! It's tough getting little bits of melted toothbrush out of your throttle body!

Plus your breath will be horrible the next day.

Naw, a little C7H8 other wise known as Toluene is good for the gums