How to Clean Throttle Carbon Deposits?
2 Answers
Methods for cleaning throttle carbon deposits include: 1. Non-disassembly cleaning: Spray throttle valve cleaner on a cloth and wipe the throttle body. This method does not require disassembling the throttle assembly and is suitable for throttles that are not excessively dirty. 2. Disassembly cleaning: The entire throttle assembly needs to be removed, thoroughly cleaned with specialized cleaner, and then reinstalled. This method is more complicated as it involves disassembling components, but it provides a thorough cleaning effect. If the throttle is not cleaned regularly, dirt can cause the throttle to operate less smoothly and allow impurities to enter the engine along with the air, which can affect the engine's normal operation. In severe cases, symptoms such as reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and unstable idle may occur.
I often clean the throttle body carbon deposits myself to save time and money. First, open the engine compartment and locate the throttle body. Remove the intake pipe connected to it, and you'll see black oily sludge around the metal valve plate. Use a dedicated throttle body cleaner, spray it on the carbon deposits to dissolve them, wait for a few dozen seconds, and then wipe off the residue with a lint-free soft cloth—pay special attention to the valve pivot area, where carbon tends to accumulate. Avoid using metal tools to scrape, as they can damage the surface coating. When reassembling, ensure the seal is properly seated. Finally, disconnect the negative battery terminal for five minutes before reconnecting it to allow the ECU to recalibrate the throttle opening. It's recommended to clean it every 20,000 kilometers, and also monitor whether the idle speed is stable, as this is a sign of carbon buildup.