Throttle Body Cleaning...

[TexNorseman]

so my 2018 Ram just had the 10,000 mile maintenance done on it. Oil change, tire rotation, etc. My service technician told me that next maintenance(at 15,0000 miles) they suggest that I get the throttle body cleaned, and that the service is around $120. Does that seem right? Do I really need to have this service done so soon? Don't remember ever having this done on my old truck.

 

[Ramnewbie]

so my 2018 Ram just had the 10,000 mile maintenance done on it. Oil change, tire rotation, etc. My service technician told me that next maintenance(at 15,0000 miles) they suggest that I get the throttle body cleaned, and that the service is around $120. Does that seem right? Do I really need to have this service done so soon? Don't remember ever having this done on my old truck.

I'd be very suspect, so they just clean the tb at 15000 just because. TB cleaning is the newest fad for getting in you're pocket. It's not only the dealers it's private shops too. Depending on how mechanically inclined you are you can do the same thing for probably $20 or so.

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[GIJoe2010]

A lil carb/TB cleaner, a few microfiber towels and about 30 minutes of your time and you can do it yourself. Then buy a catch can and then you can stretch out your cleanings even further as your TB will be clean because the CC will catch all the oil coming back through the PCV.

 

[TexNorseman]

I'd be very suspect, so they just clean the tb at 15000 just because. TB cleaning is the newest fad for getting in you're pocket. It's not only the dealers it's private shops too. Depending on how mechanically inclined you are you can do the same thing for probably $20 or so.

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That's what I'm thinking , already looked it up on YouTube, doesn't seem that complicated. I just find it odd that it is suggested at 15k miles......

 

[TexNorseman]

A lil carb/TB cleaner, a few microfiber towels and about 30 minutes of your time and you can do it yourself. Then buy a catch can and then you can stretch out your cleanings even further as your TB will be clean because the CC will catch all the oil coming back through the PCV.

Yeah I'm thinking the same.

 

[huntergreen]

No you don't this at this early mileage. Catch can, top tier fuel and techron or other cleaner will all help. You will know when it needs cleaning.

 

[Casper]

so my 2018 Ram just had the 10,000 mile maintenance done on it. Oil change, tire rotation, etc. My service technician told me that next maintenance(at 15,0000 miles) they suggest that I get the throttle body cleaned, and that the service is around $120. Does that seem right? Do I really need to have this service done so soon? Don't remember ever having this done on my old truck.

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Shop labor rate is ~$100/hour. So, an hour and 12 minutes to R&R and wipe it down.
You can do this yourself with caution.

Everything I've read says not to use TB cleaner--so I don't.

Instead I use chlorine free brake cleaner. It seems to be the most popular option because apparently the solvents evaporate quicker in brake cleaner and don't leave residual behind.

If you do this yourself, remember to disconnect the battery first, and block the intake carefully once the TB is off. Use solvent on a rag, do not spray or poor liquid on the TB.
A few RFers have reported damage from liquid carrying dissolved solids into the pivots and leaving them there to gum up the works--so proceed with caution.

As to why the TB is may be dirty? The 5.7 Hemi has relatively higher compression and like everyone else these days shorter piston skirts and fewer rings than older motors. That leads to a lot of blow-by for the PCV to evacuate. FCA uses the vacuum from your TB to suck on that PCV and draws all that crap into your intake.

I recommend a Catch Can to safely block that yiltch and collect it for disposal.

When it reaches your intake all that nasty leaves oily deposits and when exposed to heat it cakes on the underside of the TB and worse, the intake valves.

Seafoam aerosole spray applied through the TB (not the brake vacuum line) once a year also helps a bit to.

 

[S0CAL]

A lil carb/TB cleaner, a few microfiber towels and about 30 minutes of your time and you can do it yourself. Then buy a catch can and then you can stretch out your cleanings even further as your TB will be clean because the CC will catch all the oil coming back through the PCV.

^This. Mic drop.

 

[22hemi13]

Doing mine tomorrow. I doubt it’s ever been done. New to me used truck. Also doing front and rear diff oil and engine oil tomorrow. Phew it’ll be beer time. Then Friday to dealer for tranny service. I’ll pay somebody for that lol

 

[TexNorseman]

What I'm wondering too I guess is it really necessary at this low of mileage? Called and spoke to a service representative at another Ram dealership, and he said no.

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[GIJoe2010]

“There’s a sucker born every minute” & “a fool and his money are easily parted”

 

[14RAM1500BG]

Just cleaned mine at 30,000 miles it needed it as I was having some issues. It was a piece of cake. I removed it and wiped it out with some alcohol . I didn`t have any cleaner at the time. Runs/starts great now.

 

[Casper]

What I'm wondering too I guess is it really necessary at this low of mileage? Called and spoke to a service representative at another Ram dealership, and he said no.

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***
That's why they are often called Stealerships. Like the 3K mile oil change stickers--pure sucker ****.

 

[VB712]

Catch can has kept my TB nice and clean.

 

[22hemi13]

I just cleaned mine yesterday. It literally takes minuets. Dealerships are a pain. All my fluids need changed. They wanted $260 for front and rear diff , $250 for tranny and $130 for transfer. I did both diffs, engine oil and cleaned tb yesterday myself. It is going to them for the tranny fluid filter change just cause I don’t wanna mess with it. I’ll give em some money but not all of it

 

[Harley Harrold]

I cleaned my throttle body @ 61K miles, and replaced it with an 87mm Modern Muscle Throttle Body @ 68K miles. Even at 61K miles, my original throttle body wasn't very dirty. She's a 2007 Big Horn Quad Cab 1500, 5.7L Hemi.

IMG_0608

• Harley Harrold
• May 1, 2018

 

[Pull Ya]

Most service writers are paid a commision in addition to their salary for things they "sell". Sadly to say a lot of them take advantage of customers that have no idea of what is required at what mileage. Sometimes the sole purpose of their recommendations is to make more money for the service department and themselves. Your owner's manual and forums like this are your friend and sometimes your only protection against getting ripped off by unscruplious dealers. Hopefully the information gained here will save you some money and you can play it forward if you have information that will help someone else.
Jay

 

[blade]

just cleaned mine. super easy just spray some brake cleaner on it and keep it away from electronic side w gray cover and don't push or move the blades as they r electronic. i wiped w paper towel. a billet catch can is a good cheap mod

 

[gregs2018ram]

I feel another "catch can debate" coming on! LOL

 

[Burla]

Everyone's dropping their mics these days, I prefer people who don't drop the mics just say'n.