Throttle Body Plate Sticking

[gls02]

Has anyone cleaned their throttle body plate? When taking off from a standing stop the gas pedal sticks and then releases, hard to take off smoothly. I have checked the gas pedal and the cable they move easily. I believe that the throttle plate is sticking from carbon build up. Is there a way to spray a cleaner without taking off the flex connection? What do you use to clean the inside of the throttle housing? Thanks

It's an 2002 Silo. Thanks

[Milo2001]

I haven't done this, but have seen cleaners on the auto shelves. Make sure the can of spray is compliant with the O2 sensors. I don't believe regular Gumout would be good, unless it says it ok for fuel injected cars.

[ggcatt]

Our 98 Venture had the same problem, and yes the throttle plate was sticking. Cables and all wer just fine. There is a small adjustment screw on the throttle plate housing that allows you to keep the throttle plate from jamming in the housing. Give it one full turn. It's tough to see and get to, but once I made the adjustment, the plate no longer sticks and accelerations are smooth.

[gls02]

Thanks , when the weather warms up I'll try the above suggestions.

[kidfam]

Will just using GUMOUT addictive in the gas tank clear it up or do I really need to get at the plate itself?

[cdru]

Originally Posted by kidfam

Will just using GUMOUT addictive in the gas tank clear it up or do I really need to get at the plate itself?

Your throttle body/plate never see fuel other then what might be left in the exhaust that gets recirculated with EGR. Putting anything in your fuel tank isn't going to help with this. In fact, putting a few ounces of anything in your fuel doesn't do a whole heck of a lot in the way of cleaning. Your literally burning a few bucks

The easiest way is to take off the large rubber flex hose going between the air filter and throttle body. It's just a hose clamp, couple of latches, and a few electrical connectors. If you really drag your feet it will take 5 minutes to get out.

Once that is removed, you have easy access to the plate. I wouldn't recommend spraying the cleaner directly in there as you have no control where it goes and getting it out. I'd spray a paper towel and cloth and reach in and clean up as much of the loose stuff as you can, off of both the throttle body and teh plate. Thicker or more stubborn spots may require you to soak the area with a cloth soaked in cleaner for a while. Really stubborn spots require a scrubbing with a brass brush. Don't use a steel wire brush as you'll scratch the alumnium casting.

A small mirror will make examining the top of the throttle body easier.

The harder way if you REALLY want to get it cleaned up is to remove the throttle body to get the best access to everything.

[kidfam]

I used Throttle Body spray cleaner(2cans worth) and it cleaned all the gunk right out. Works great now

[cdru]

Originally Posted by kidfam

I used Throttle Body spray cleaner(2cans worth) and it cleaned all the gunk right out. Works great now

2 cans:22yikes: A quarter can should have been more then enough. Just spray it in and let it soak. Use a wire or stiff bristle brush to losen it, then a towel or shop rag to losen it. If it was so thick that you HAD to use 2 cans, you have a real problem elsewhere that needs to be looked at.

[proteks]

Had the same problem, but I had to adjust the plate itself cleaning didn't do anything. Loosen screws holding the plate and tighten. Works great now.

[kidfam]

I just kept spraying in till brown stuff didn't come back out. Still working great