Can You Use Brake Cleaner To Clean Throttle Body? Pro Tips

Brake cleaners have become a popular choice for cleaning various automotive parts due to their high solvency and effectiveness at removing oil and debris. One component that could benefit from regular cleaning is the throttle body. However, many car owners wonder if brake cleaner is safe to use on this delicate part of the engine. In this article, we will explore whether or not you can use brake cleaner to clean throttle body and potential risks involved.

Can You Use Brake Cleaner to Clean Throttle Body? A Detailed Explanation

A dirty throttle body can cause significant issues with your car’s performance, so it’s crucial to clean it regularly to prevent any further damage. But, can you use brake cleaner for the job? 

Well, the answer is no. See, while brake cleaner is an excellent option for cleaning various auto parts due to its high solvency, it may not be the best option for your throttle body.

Here’s why:

Throttle bodies have rubber and plastic components that brake cleaner can easily damage beyond repair. Not only that but brake cleaners are highly combustible too! So if you’re using a non-oxygenated cleaner but aren’t careful while doing so-– BOOM! Your engine could go up in flames!

However, if you don’t have any other options then using brake cleaner will still get the job done when used with precautions.

Here are few things to keep in mind before considering using brake cleaner:

1. Use only non-chlorinated brake cleaners as they produce less harmful fumes.
2. Use protective gear like gloves and goggles because the chemicals in the cleaners can cause skin irritation.
3. Cover areas surrounding the throttle body with pieces of cloth or absorbent paper towels to prevent harmful chemicals from spilling out onto other components.

It’s always better to opt for milder cleaning agents such as rubbing alcohol or specialized Throttle Body Cleaners such as 3M Throttle Plate & Carb Cleaner Spray which contain special additives specifically designed for throttles or carburetors, over Brake Cleaner whenever possible!

Alright, so we’ve established that using brake cleaner to clean your car’s throttle body might not be the best idea. But what other products are out there that can effectively get rid of the gunk without causing any harm?

What Can You Use To Clean A Throttle Body Instead?

There are a few choices available when it comes to cleaning your throttle body. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used cleaners:

1. Throttle Body Cleaner Spray

These sprays were specifically designed for cleaning throttle bodies, making them a trusted choice. They typically have a less harmful chemical formula than brake cleaners, making them safer to use on plastic and rubber components. Plus, they do an excellent job of breaking down grime and deposits without leaving behind any residue.

2. Isopropyl Alcohol

For those who prefer using natural or milder solutions, isopropyl alcohol is an excellent choice. It is gentle on most materials and evaporates quickly, leaving the surface clean and residue-free. All you have to do is spray it onto a gentle cloth or rag, and then wipe the surfaces cautiously.

3. Carburetor Cleaner 

Carburetor cleaner is another alternative that can be used to clean your throttle body effectively. It uses a different formulation than brake cleaner, which makes it safe for cleaning delicate parts like fuel injectors, throttle plates or sensors without causing damage.

While these products work excellently to remove dirt and debris from your car’s throttle body, they’re not necessarily all interchangeable. Here’s how some of these options compare:

• Throttle Body Cleaner Spray vs Brake Cleaner: Throttle body cleaner sprays tend to be less harsh on materials like plastics, rubber boots so they’re much safer to use on throttle bodies and their surrounding components.
• Carburetor Cleaner vs Brake Cleaner: These sprays have formulas similar to Throttle Body cleaner, but are generally more effective in providing a deeper clean with minimal residue.
• Isopropyl Alcohol vs Brake Cleaner: Isopropyl alcohol may leave streaks on some materials, so it may require polishing with a clean cloth after usage. 

Essentially, there are multiple methods available for maintaining your car’s throttle body effectively. But it is crucial to locate a suitable cleaner that won’t cause damage to your vehicle. Before applying any cleaning agent, be sure to carefully read the instructions provided.

How Do I Know If My Throttle Body Is Dirty?

We’ve covered the dangers of cleaning your throttle body with brake cleaner and suggested safer cleaning options. However, you may be wondering how to tell if your throttle body needs cleaning in the first place.

There are certain indicators that signal a throttle body in need of cleaning. To recognize when it’s time to clean your throttle body, keep an eye out for the following signs:

1. Rough Idle: If your vehicle has difficulty maintaining a consistent idle speed when stopped, this may indicate that the throttle body is obstructed by dirt and filth.
2. Reduced Fuel Economy: A contaminated throttle body can interfere with fuel delivery, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency. You could require more frequent refueling than before, indicating that a thorough cleaning is necessary.
3. Engine Light: If the engine light illuminates and remains lit, it could signify problems with the sensor or throttle body.
4. Hesitation & Stalling: Any hesitation or stalling when you step on the gas pedal could be due to a dirty throttle body causing incorrect airflow. This can lead to rough idling at stoplights or just after starting the engine.

So, if you do notice any of these symptoms happening with your car, chances are it’s time for some well-deserved TLC for your Throttle Body! Cleaning it is not difficult but does require precautionary measures. Ensure safety by wearing cloth gloves or working somewhere far from naked flames as Brake Cleaner might cause a fire hazard.

Tips on How To Clean Your Throttle Body Properly And Maintain It In Good Condition Going Forward 

Maintaining a clean throttle body for your car is beneficial in two ways. Firstly, it ensures a smooth and stable ride while also improving fuel efficiency. If you’ve noticed any delay or malfunctioning of the system, it could be an indication that your throttle body urgently calls for cleaning. To properly do this, consider following these steps:

1. Locate the throttle body: It’s usually located at the end of the air intake hose near the engine.
2. Remove air intake tube: Use proper tools to remove any clamps or bolts holding the air intake tube in place and gently take it out.
3. Spray cleaner: Take a non-chlorinated cleaner (not brake cleaner!) and spray a small amount onto a lint-free cloth or rag.
4. Clean the throttle plate: With the cleaner-soaked rag in hand, gently wipe down both sides of the throttle plate until no more grime is visible. Don’t overspray directly into the opening!
5. Clean around the valve seat: Use a toothbrush or another smaller brush soaked in cleaner to get into all of those hard-to-reach areas.
6. Reattach air intake tube: Once everything is clean and dry, carefully reattach your air intake tube back onto its position securing any bolts or clamps before starting up again.

Now that you know how to clean your throttle body like a pro, here are some tips on maintaining it going forward:

• Keep an eye on your engine filters. Dirty filters can lead to dirty throttle bodies.
• Drive smoothly. Abrupt acceleration and jerky driving can lead to build-up over time.
• Regularly check for leaks around hoses, pipes and gaskets that could allow dirt and debris into both intakes.
• If you live in an area with high humidity or lots of dust/dirt roads consider performing this service MORE often than average recommendations.

And there you have it – all you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your throttle body. Remember, a healthy engine leads to a happier driver!

FAQs

1. Can I Clean The Throttle Body With Isopropyl Alcohol?

Sure you can, Isopropyl alcohol is a great cleaner for removing residues and contaminants from your throttle body. You just have to be careful not to spray it all over the sensors or other electrical components inside the assembly. Ensure, you’re using a lint-free cloth and not leaving any residue.

2. Can You Use Wd 40 To Clean The Throttle Body?

While WD-40 can help remove dirt and grime from some metal surfaces, it’s not ideal for cleaning your throttle body since it wasn’t designed specifically for that purpose, unlike brake cleaners or carburetor cleaner which are purposely formulated for it.

3. How Often Should The Throttle Body Be Cleaned?

Generally speaking, a throttle body should be cleaned every 50,000 miles if it’s electronic and about every 75,000 miles if your car has an older engine model. But it’s important to note that this varies depending on how often you drive in dusty conditions or in traffic jams as well as exposure to other contaminants like moisture or oily residues from crankcase gases being recirculated back through the engine.

4. Can I Clean The Throttle Body With Sea Foam Spray?

Absolutely! In fact, Sea Foam Spray is one of our top recommended products for cleaning your car’s throttle body because it’s safe on sensors and will dissolve carbon deposits that may have accumulated inside over time which affect your engine performance and overall fuel economy. Just make sure you follow your car manufacturer’s guidelines when cleaning certain parts!

Conclusion

In summary, it is not recommended to use brake cleaner to clean a car’s throttle body due to its combustibility and potential for damage to plastic and rubber components. However, if this is the only option, non-chlorinated brake cleaners can be used with proper precautions such as using protective gear and covering other areas around the throttle body. 

There are alternative cleaning options for the throttle body, including specialized sprays, carburetor cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. It’s important to identify which cleaner suits your needs best and always read instructions carefully before usage. 

Signs of a dirty throttle body include rough idling, reduced fuel economy, engine lights coming on and hesitation/stalling when accelerating. Regular maintenance of the throttle body can lead to smoother driving and better fuel economy, such as keeping an eye on engine filters and avoiding jerky driving habits.