I've got a 1997 Ford F150 that I'm piecing back together after doing a rebuild. I want to clean the throttle body but there is a note on it that specifically states not to do so because of a special coating. The same note is on my 1998. Has anyone cleaned the throttle body on your trucks?

 

Yes I did it. On my 98 I cleaned it with the a regular throttle body cleaner. I chose a premium brand (not available in the US I think). I collected old toothbrushes and after a whole bottle of cleaner most of the greasy stuff was gone but man was that thing dirty. If you've done a rebuilt then I suppose the engine isn't already in the bay or the throttle body isn't installed yet and that should make the job a lot easier. I can't guarantee that using regular throttle body cleaner is a good idea but it worked for me. Maybe someone else has a better idea but mine was so dirty I couldn't think of any non-aggressive fluid that would get rid of stuff like that.

 

Do you see enough buildup worth doing a cleaning?
Only reason there needs to be no build up to any extent is because the throttle plate does not fully close in the bore.
The air passed there is part of the idle dynamics.
On a hot motor, if the IAC plug were removed the idle would drop and be that for the air passing the throttle plate with no other idle control.
If the plate area was blocked the motor would stall.
As far as cleaning, don't worry about the sticker. You will clean it when it needs it anyway..
Good luck.

 

BG products makes a intake cleaner specifically for coated TBI's...most car dealers carry & sell if you ask the spray can....good stuff - used it for years!

 

My throttle body isn't too bad but I went through enough extra work such as painstakingly cleaning the runner control valves, sending the injectors to be cleaned, new EGR...etc. where cleaning the throttle body would just make sense. BG products...I'm familiar with their product line. Good stuff! Thanks for the tip.

If anyone has comments on what else to look for as I screw this thing back together, feel free to chime in. Put in a new water pump and oil pump.

 

I run Chevron or Texaco with Techron.. My throttle body and injectors stay clean..