Clean 5.0 Throttle Body

[rvitek]

My throttle is sticking. I've lubed up my pedal and my throttle cable, but it still takes a bit of force, then zooom - the truck goes. Actually, LOL my wife was the one who mentioned it to me.

So, how do I clean it? Gas-tank additive? Take it to the local shop for a (wallet cleaning...) $90? Take it apart and clean it with some carb spray?

What should I do? And, if I have to do the last one, how do I do that?

Thanks!

Ry.

 

[heydunn]

I have the same problem, but I have not found the cause yet. It allmost seems like the throttle body is wearing but I only have 70k on my X, what do you have? I tryed to lube the linkage, but no luck yet.

 

[RiverRat]

I guess this is a common problem with higher mileage TBs. My throttle body sticks too. I think a simple cleaning with some carb cleaner and a toothbrush should do the trick. All you have to do is unscrew the rubber intake tube at the throttle body and spray some cleaner in the tb (with engine off). Brush and spray the plate and the bore a few times and it shouldn't stick anymore.

 

[CougarX]

I work with a buy who is a Ford mechanic, mine did the same thing and supposedly the manufacturer of the throttle body for the 5.0Ls forgot to put the coating on the inside of it to reduce carbon build-up and corrosion. If you take it to ford for this they are going to stick a new throttle body on and charge you out the butt for it (mine was under warranty but i would guess they're gonna charge at least $350 for the throttle body alone). I would try cleanin it as good as you can but if that doesn't work its more than likey the throttle body needs replaced.

 

[Bill Kemp]

I have used STP throttle body cleaner or something that says it is safe for throttle body coatings. Got it at AutoZone. Just spray it on and wipe up what you can and what you dont will dissapear into the engine. 15 min. job.

 

[5.0Dad]

For some reason, when my wife recognizes a problem, I almost always end up with upgraded parts. It's kind of the every project requires a new tool approach to things.

 

[Tom G]

stuck throttle plate

I've been doing this since my first FI car

Spray carb cleaner into the cap 'till you have a puddle, dip a Q-Tip into the liquid, then (while holding open the butterfly plate) swab around the bore of the throttle body where the plate seats when closed. Also swab the edge of the plate. Depending on how much carbon has built up, it can take quite a few Q-tips.

 

[rvitek]

My old Baretta had a very bad carbon problem and I'd have to tear apart the throttle on that one and clean it just like you mentioned. But, on the 5.0X, where is the TB? I looked it up in the Chiltons (at the library, can't check those books out) but I just can't find in on my truck. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Ry.

 

[james t]

real easy to find... just follow the intake tubing to were it stops. this is the throttle body. remove tubing, and you have good access.

 

[EasyRhino]

Originally posted by 5.0Dad
For some reason, when my wife recognizes a problem, I almost always end up with upgraded parts. It's kind of the every project requires a new tool approach to things.

Now how have I missed this technique all these years?

I just used carb cleaner and a non-abrasive rag on mine annually. You do not want to scratch it up.

 

[5.0Dad]

I'm not saying it always works, but you have to seize your opportunities. If cleaning does't work, It's time for hi-po parts...

 

[rvitek]

I'm going to give this a shot tonight and see what happens cuz man, my sticking-throttle thing is a big problem!

Ry.