I'm helping a friend of my son replace his '95 LT-1 long block, and the throttle body is incredibly filthy, as is the intake manifold.

Rather than buy a case of aerosol TB cleaners, can we use Naptha or enamel paint thinner to clean things up?

TIA, and have a good one,
Mike

 

I don't see why that wouldn't work as long as you don't soak the electroncic components/sensor connections. It would probably be easier to use an aerosol tb cleaner just because you'll have more control with where you are spraying.

 

how about just some "parts cleaner" solvent from the autopart store?

 

I just cleaned a manifold with some stuff from costco called oil eater and it works pretty good. spray on, let set for a few minutes and rinse off. repeat and use a stiff brush on the more stubron stuff and rinse off again. Cleans up oil from drive way and engine compartment also.

 

Maybe you could call a local machine shop and get a price to vat the intake, and then you could clean the tb by hand.

 

Seafoam Deep Creep. Works wonders.

 

Go with eithera professional cleaner called the Intake Snake (see www.intakesnake.com) about $60 or go the simplest route by mixing a mild solvent of tuneup/injector cleaner with gas (1:4 or 1:5 ratio).

Use an old worn-out toothbrush with soft bristles.

Clean exterior of throttle plate, then hold the plate open with a wire tying the linkage so that you can get to the inside perimeter of the plate (just to loosen the deposits with the brush). Next clean the TB wall being careful to work around any electronic sensors, and around the TB plate shaft holes. When you're done loosening the deposits with the brush and solvent, remove the deposits with a rag a solvent. Pour any remaining solvent into your gas to dispose.

Be careful about using most aerosol carb and choke cleaners because they are pretty strong and can damage seals, remove protective coatings and sensor o-rings.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'll give the Sea Foam a try. As far as vatting goes, I want the teenager I'm helping out to enjoy the, um, er, "satisfaction" of a clean engine!

Thanks again, and have a good one,
Mike

 

i just used brake clean

 

Knock yourself out, however using some cleaners/solvents can be a kin to wiping your A$$ with sand paper ---it can be messy and you're apt to regret it.

 

I've seen a "caution" notice in one of the manuals that says NOT to use anything harsher than throttle body cleaner. There is supposed to be a coating on the throttle blades that sheds carbon (oil backflowing from the PCV vent tube), and the coating will come off with strong cleaners, other than throttle body cleaner. Not sure how much of a problem that is..... just putting the thought on the table.

 

Fred,

I read the same warning, that's why I made the original post. Since every throttle body cleaner I've ever see was an aerosol, I was wondering if there was some kind of non-aerosol cleaner that would be OK as well.

Thanks for the suggestions and info, and have a good one,
Mike