i took off my air intake tube tonight to check the throttle plate to make sure it was closing completely (i have high idle problem im trying to fix) and when i took at look at the throttle body it was really really dirty, like a muddy, grease kinda. what could this be from and how could i clean this out? am i looking at big problems?
i sure hope not
thanks again

-Phil

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Pontiac Firefly 87 1.0L
Pontiac Fiero 86 SE 2.8L
Buick Skyhawk 76 3.8L
GMC Jimmy 85 305
"It's not how fast you go, but how good you look goin"

It's more than likely the excess oil from the valve cover breathing tube that connects to the intake rubber. Throttlebody cleaner will clean it up nicely.

quote Originally posted by p4n1c: It's more than likely the excess oil from the valve cover breathing tube that connects to the intake rubber. Throttlebody cleaner will clean it up nicely.

do i just spray the throttle body cleaner on it and wipe it out or what do i do?
take the throttle body off and clean it like that

thanks
and excess oil sounds about right
thanks for all the quick answers and the help eh p4n1c

thanks again
-Phil

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Pontiac Firefly 87 1.0L
Pontiac Fiero 86 SE 2.8L
Buick Skyhawk 76 3.8L
GMC Jimmy 85 305
"It's not how fast you go, but how good you look goin"

quote Originally posted by Phil86SE: do i just spray the throttle body cleaner on it and wipe it out or what do i do? take the throttle body off and clean it like that thanks and excess oil sounds about right thanks for all the quick answers and the help eh p4n1c thanks again -Phil

For the spray can stuff, run the engine with the intake rubber off, and move the butterfly back and forth while spraying it in. Don't let the engine die. Should tell you on the can how much to actually use. I just move the butterfly back and forth, 5 or 6 times while spraying it in, let the engine idle for a bit then drive it for 5-10 minutes.

For the bottle stuff, I think you take a vaccuum line and stick it in the bottle, and let the engine suck in the cleaner until it dies. Haven't used it before, so I'd read the directions first.

As for the oil around the opening, you can use the cleaner and just wipe it off.

thank you once again

i hope i can return the favor one day...if you ever need stereo help or body help or advice let me know and i just might be able to help you

-Phil

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Pontiac Firefly 87 1.0L
Pontiac Fiero 86 SE 2.8L
Buick Skyhawk 76 3.8L
GMC Jimmy 85 305
"It's not how fast you go, but how good you look goin"

I had an idle problem also...did the following; removed the throttle body and cleaned it completely with gumout carb cleaner. While doing this I found that there are vacuum passages in it. Blew those out with air. At the same time I got rid of the coolant tubes that go to the tb. Put it back together and noticed a very real difference in performance, idle etc. I highly reccomend removing and cleaning the tb.

quote Originally posted by David DeVoe: I had an idle problem also...did the following; removed the throttle body and cleaned it completely with gumout carb cleaner. While doing this I found that there are vacuum passages in it. Blew those out with air. At the same time I got rid of the coolant tubes that go to the tb. Put it back together and noticed a very real difference in performance, idle etc. I highly reccomend removing and cleaning the tb.

is removing the TB hard to do...am i looking at what 20 min of work or 1 hour
i know my way around tools better then the average person i'd say

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Pontiac Firefly 87 1.0L
Pontiac Fiero 86 SE 2.8L
Buick Skyhawk 76 3.8L
GMC Jimmy 85 305
"It's not how fast you go, but how good you look goin"

removing the Tb is very easy disconnect the TPS, IAC and coolant lines. 2 bolts hold it on the intake. Make sure u have a replacement gasket because it will likely tear. I would remove the IAC and clean out the passage and clean the IAC with a soft cloth. I also recommend looping the coolant lines at the thermostat unless u live in a cold climate. cooler air = Hp! There likely is nothing wrong with youre motor fumes build up over time. If u are comcerned about it look for a inline filter for the fresh air tube between the valve cover and rubber elbow. hope this helps.

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Stock 85 GT 4 speed 2.8

I agree, that removing the throttle body is the best answer to this an old toothbrush would also be handy for cleaning the edge of the throttleblade. This is a normal procedure at the dealership I work at.
The oily residue is normal (unless really excessive) and is due to the crankcase oil vapor recovery(hose from valve cover to the intake) system. If you have some trouble removing this, I have some special cleaner that is specificaly designed to remove this and would be happy to donate it to you, believe me you don't want to buy it it's 29.00 bucks a can! Email me. Jason

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A coward dies a thousand deaths..................A soldier dies but once. Red 86 SE

#1 hot rodders trick for cleaning carb/throttle bodies is to use automatic transmission oil. Start the car and spray the oil into the intake...does a real good job at cleaning it out and is much cheaper than carb cleaner (plus you don't have to worry about it 'stalling' out the motor).

It removes all baked on grease/oil and the yellow varnish coating.

Tim

[This message has been edited by Mickey_Moose (edited 03-23-2003).]

quote Originally posted by Mickey_Moose: #1 hot rodders trick for cleaning carb/throttle bodies is to use automatic transmission oil. Start the car and spray the oil into the intake...does a real good job at cleaning it out and is much cheaper than carb cleaner (plus you don't have to worry about it 'stalling' out the motor). It removes all baked on grease/oil and the yellow varnish coating. Tim [This message has been edited by Mickey_Moose (edited 03-23-2003).]

have you ever done this to your own car?
i know auto tranny oil is a great cleaner but i heard that the silicon content in it can hurt your cat converter if you run it through your engine?
or will it even make it that far?
thanks
-Phil

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Pontiac Firefly 87 1.0L
Pontiac Fiero 86 SE 2.8L
Buick Skyhawk 76 3.8L
GMC Jimmy 85 305
"It's not how fast you go, but how good you look goin"