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Old 05-07-2010, 06:24 PM   #1
BlackLS
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Default Fixing a bad idle by cleaning the throttle body

This probably applies to many cars but this is a problem I have with my LS Focus.

I've done 230,000kms in it and in the last 30,000kms or so its had a progressivly worsening idle when it would surge, then almost stall, then surge again, it got to the point where it would stall as you pushed the clutch in when coming to a stop.

The cause of this is carbon build up from the EGR tube coming from the exhaust into the intake, immediately after the throttle body. There is a small gap between the throttle body and the butterfly that keeps the idle smooth, with this blocked, the ECU tries to compensate by opening the throttle body momentarily when it senses its about to stall.

To fix this, take the airbox out by undoing the clamp, pulling off the silicone band at the front of the airbox (closest to the front of the engine bay), and undoing the rocker cover breather tube at the bottom of the airbox, then by pulling the box vertically.

Unplug the throttle electricals by sliding the red tab towards the passenger side of the car and push it off with a small flat head screwdriver, then undo the 8mm bolts on the throttle body. Note that there is a bracket holding cables on the right 2 bolts. Be careful that no foreign objects fall into the intake

When you have the throttle body off the car, clean the insides with carbie/throttle body cleaner and a toothbrush, really get in there.

Replace all the parts and enjoy.

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Old 05-07-2010, 07:25 PM   #2
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Great advice mate, rep given
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Old 05-07-2010, 07:45 PM   #3
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I tried to give you rep, but apparently I have to spread it around more!

Really useful post
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Old 05-07-2010, 11:22 PM   #4
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Thanks guys, I haven't been on here much lately and wanted to keep the Focus love happening
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Old 06-07-2010, 09:01 PM   #5
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mmm wondered where you had got to?
I cleaned our TB the other day by doing it running using throttle body cleaner
not having the starting problems!

I do this to most of the commy doors I service as they suffer from carbon build up in the TB.
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Old 06-07-2010, 09:23 PM   #6
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How often do you think it should be done?
Thx for the advise!
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Old 06-07-2010, 10:03 PM   #7
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My throttle body after 50,000km (one on the right needless to say):

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Old 06-07-2010, 10:11 PM   #8
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well i do need to clean out my filter on the weekend - my car has just hit 52k, so can imagine how black mine is!

haha!

Thanks for posting the pic!
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Old 08-07-2010, 05:12 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackLS
Thanks guys, I haven't been on here much lately and wanted to keep the Focus love happening
It has been a while Chris, thanks for another really useful thread.

Those bits are still available for you too if you want them, just PM me.
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Old 09-07-2010, 03:33 PM   #10
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I'd definitely do it at least every 120,000kms, 60,000km intervals much better.
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Old 09-07-2010, 03:35 PM   #11
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I'm thinking of trimming down the other side of the butterfly screws so they are flush with the pivot. Anyone done this?
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Old 11-07-2010, 07:32 PM   #12
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went down to autobarn yeste, got some throttle body cleaner at the same time as getting the K&N recharge kit, and the throttle body was spotless - looked near new? Cleaned it anyway, but the filter was in definite need of a cleaning!!
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Old 11-07-2010, 11:46 PM   #13
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Did you open the throttle or take the throttle body off and see the other side?
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Old 12-07-2010, 06:07 AM   #14
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ahh... so I need to take it off you say!!
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Old 12-07-2011, 07:05 PM   #15
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Default Re: Fixing a bad idle by cleaning the throttle body

Question.

I've seen people do this while the engine is running. What is the best way?

Take the throttle off or just spray around when engine idleing and let the engine burn through all the crap. I have new plugs to put in but just want suggestions. Its a 2002 LR focus.
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Old 12-07-2011, 08:50 PM   #16
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Default Re: Fixing a bad idle by cleaning the throttle body

You might as well take the whole thing off and do the job properly. For me, its always the back of the throttle plate and harder to reach places that get the carbon build up.
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Old 12-07-2011, 10:50 PM   #17
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Default Re: Fixing a bad idle by cleaning the throttle body

Better yet get a brand called threebond engine conditioner. Spray it in and let it foam up, well just follow the instructions on the can, Repco sells it. We buy it by the box at work.
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Old 13-07-2011, 11:12 AM   #18
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Default Re: Fixing a bad idle by cleaning the throttle body

Quote:
Originally Posted by ivorya
Question.

I've seen people do this while the engine is running. What is the best way?

Take the throttle off or just spray around when engine idleing and let the engine burn through all the crap. I have new plugs to put in but just want suggestions. Its a 2002 LR focus.

From what I used to read if you spray too much of it into your intake whilst the car is off you could get 'vapour lock' or something similar which is not good.
Have done it previously on a running car with no issues.
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