Was searching the boards for help with my truck not idling and seems like the first step after fuel filter change is to clean and/or replace the IAC - Idle Air Control valve. I located mine last night, but it is back behind the throttle body with the heads of the bolts angled back towards the firewall. I was able to get my 10mm wrench on them but between not being able to get leverage on the wrench and their being little room to turn it, I'm out of ideas.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to get that sucker out?

'99 5.4L

Thanks!

 

Remove the throttle body. Give it a good cleaning while you got it off. Your truck WILL run better after.

 

hmmm.. was really trying to avoid removing all the hoses, etc.. if I do end up removing the TB, are there any replacement gaskets that I should pick up ahead of time?

 

It's not that hard. Time consuming but not hard. You should be able to reuse you gasket. Cleaning the throttle body makes a difference in how these engines run you wont regret it. Plus its really the only way to get the IAC off.

 

Thanks. One last question - will removing the TB just get me access to the IAC or is the IAC actually attached to the TB? I can't get a good enough view to figure that out.

 

i used a small rachet and worked around the throttle body

 

Yes it's attatched to the TB. Some IAC's are attatched to the right side of your TB and your TB will not need removal. Chances are, yours is in the back attatched to the elbow. You'll have to remove the TB & Elbow to get at it. You'll have to reach in back and unplug the IAC first. It's better to order new gaskets - there cheap. You need all 4 gaskets or some High Heat Black Permatex..

Gaskets -

Elbow to Intake
TB to Elbow
IAC
EGR

Heres a TB How to - http://www.fordf150.net/howto/throttlebodyclean.php