Anyone ever clean their throttle buddy?

2003 250k miles. A mechanic I used a couple of times suggested I clean my throttle buddy. I think I’m going to. My buddy’s been there through thick and thin. He deserves a good bath.

The guy was from the Middle East and so with his accent it sounds like he was saying throttle buddy, and I always got a kick out of that.

But seriously, should I clean my throttle body? Happy weekend trails!

 

Take the intake off and look.

Yes I've seen caked on shit all over the inside before. Will you gain anything can't say.

 

With air intake hose removed you can carefully open the butterfly/damper a small amount and peak inside with a strong light and examine for carbon build up. If there is a carbon ridge at the the meeting of the butterfly/damper and the TB itself you would probably benefit from cleaning.
The process requires some study and preparation. Perhaps even new gaskets. You do not want to scratch the soft surfaces.
While doing this job you can evaluate the very delicate Mass Air Flow Sensor. It requires a special cleaner.

 

Its not that delicate

 

I did mine yesterday on my 08 v6. Remove air cleaner hose and 2 bolts hold on intake plenum then move carefully out of the way. Then you can see and clean throttle body. A little awkward but doable. Oh and a couple of plugs and vacuum hose in the back.

 

Did mine not long ago. I wouldnt recommend taking it competely off unless you have new gasket handy. Can be done as described by just taking the intake hose off. I used a micro fiber cloth and electrical cleaner.
Expect a higher idle after cleaning until the computer relearns..couple short drives..

 

Not a bad idea to clean it now and again. There are videos on YT. Be careful with the screws if you remove it. Don’t over tighten them or they’ll snap off.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B-a8WJtd8w&

 

You can order a 3M kit. Ive used it and it's easy as pie, maybe easier.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40070747/