So I cleaned my throttle bodies over the weekend. I have a 2010 Sport Coupe 6mt with 54,000 miles. Stock engine. They were kind of dirty. After cleaning them the car idles so much smoother, the throttle response is a lot better, and my butt dyno tells me it actually increased the horsepower. My question is, how? How did cleaning off the little bit of build up have such a massive effect?

 

It increases air flow. By getting rid of the dirt and grime the flap opens up more freely.

 

Yeah but there was really no build up, more of a layer. It couldn't have been more than a few microns thick around the edge. I understand what you're saying about the airflow but I just don't see how that little bit of buildup could have such a big effect.

 

Nice job !!

btw, did yo use the DIY here at the forum ?

 

Yes. The DIY was very helpful. Took about an hour including many trips to the fridge for "refreshments".

 

I've heard some people having some issues cleaning the throttle bodies when moving the valves....did you move the valve to clean around it ?

 

Yes. Opened them fully with my fingers and cleaned the heck out of them. No problems.

 

No doubt having clean throttle body helps but the butt dyno is deceiving. When I wash and wax my car it feels faster too and I know it makes no sense. Thin layer of dust and dirt slowing me down.

 

Clean car is a faster car..

 

Did you disconnect the battery when you moved the butterfly's? Were the connectors left plugged into the throttle bodies?

Curious because most people seem to report idle issues once the butterfly's are moved. I want to clean mine this weekend but am worried about having idle issues.

 

I just cleaned mine this mornin and change my spark plugs . I didn't disconnect me battery but then again I could only take the drives TB off, the passenger side TB alens were stripped so I had take the damn intake off. But I got everything back together started and drove the car to get lunch . Idles perfect is actually I lot smoother all around . Wasn't hard just a PIA to relive the intake to get to the passanger side plugs :/

 

I didn't disconnect any of the wiring or the battery. No problems at all.