Maybe im talking out of my a$$ but isn't there a special coating that they(the makers) put on the t.b. and doesn't ford say don't spray anything on the t.b. or the coating may be damaged? OR doesn't this mean that you shouldn't just dismiss this and you'll just have to clean it more becuase that is what im picking up!

 

It's all explained in the thread you just posted in.

BTW- This is a sticky - post your questions in the forum.

 

Thanks to all these great how to articles, I'm doing my throttle body today. Three months ago, I followed the instructions for the heater core replacement and though it took me all weekend, I actually did it. I am a believer in this forum stuff and since my CIL has been on for 2 years with a 401 code, I figure it's time to clean all those nasties out of there.

 

make sure you take off the hoses how it says to, some have coolant in them

 

Right! The hose connected on the rear of tree will drain the heater core and lines as soon as it's disconnected. Be prepared to lift that line immediately after disconnect and plug it.

If you forget to do this - coolant can run all over your COPs and fill the plug chambers.

You don't want that problem

 

Well, I finally went and did it. I followed those great instructions and took off the whole throttle body and took it apart like the pix above. Finally got to see why my code 401 (insufficient air flow to EGR) always kept the check light on. those 2 tubes were packed shut with carbon and I swear I had to get in there with picks and shovels to finally get those things like new. It was all easier than I thought and now I wish I'd done it 2 years ago. Put it all back together and I wish I could say my problem went away but it still acts like its running on 7 cyls. Tomorrow I'm changing the fuel filter cause I'm about convinced that it's not getting enough gas. I'm also going to start taking pictures cause they really do help.
By the way, it's a '98 4.6 triton xlt, so it doesn't have cop's. It's got the 2 coil packs with 4 wires to each.

 

I would change the plugs - Make absolutly sure you have Motorcraft plugs in the 98. Otherwise your asking for problems. These motors are VERY picky with the plugs used.

You also should post in a new thread now - dealing with this problem. Sticky's pertain to informative step by steps.

 

The hoses, y'all don't specify how they are removed. Are they simply shoved in and out?

 

R u serious ? Their not glued on. If there's a clamp / remove the clamp first, other than that, they just pull off.

 

Okay thanks, they don't have clamps. I just don't want to tear anything by yanking on it.

 

I also have a service book and it says the TB should not be cleaned cause it has a protective coating, no adjustment of course...
I have about 298,567 miles and it has never been out and/or cleaned...
Any suggestions???

 

I cleaned the TB and put in a new IAC, and I can't believe how much better my expedition ran. The rough idle disappeared, and my car feels like it has much more power and response. This has been great, I didn't know what the problem was at first, I put in 02 sensors (front), new cop's, plugs, injector cleaner, nothing worked until I did this. I am thrilled right now.

 

Is Gum Out Good For Fords I Used It

 

I have some photos of my 99 4.6L TB before/after that I'd like to post. How do I get permission to post attachments?

 

I used a coarse sanding wheel, then medium wheel followed up by a few fine wheels and then #800 or #1000.

Left the throttle plate alone (it's a good idea, you don't need to to remove for a port and polish anyway.) - Used a 3" buffing wheel w/ "Rouge" polishing compound - Follow up w/2.5" Buff w/ jewelers "White" compound.

She will never get dirty again - Yea get that Anti Sludge coating out of there - That stuff will hinder performance if left in there long enough.

BTW - I Polished the inside of the 5.4's monster aluminum intake using similar methods - that was a b^tch and time consuming - had to use worm wheels to get it all.