cleaning the IAC

A

avexhype

New Member

Nov 26, 2003

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Dec 4, 2007

#1

• Dec 4, 2007

• #1

I need to clean my IAC motor. I have a bottle of automotive electronics cleaner laying around can i use that to clean the IAC? or do i HAVE TO buy carb cleaner? thanks

 

lvmustanggt

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Apr 9, 2006

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Las Vegas

Dec 4, 2007

#2

• Dec 4, 2007

• #2

I clean it with brake cleaner and it worked fine but I change with new one later on.

 

streethorse

15 Year Member

Oct 8, 2005

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Dallas Texas

Dec 4, 2007

#3

• Dec 4, 2007

• #3

As has been said time after time here.... cleaning the IAC is only temporary.
Time for a new ford IAC.

 

A

avexhype

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Nov 26, 2003

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Dec 4, 2007

#4

• Dec 4, 2007

• #4

i know its temporary but as long as it works till i get paid in 2 weeks.

 

fudleyd

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Jan 10, 2003

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Littleton, CO

Dec 4, 2007

#5

• Dec 4, 2007

• #5

streethorse said:

As has been said time after time here.... cleaning the IAC is only temporary.
Time for a new ford IAC.

Click to expand...

+1

Most people that clean end up replacing it in the long run, but it will prob get you through to your next payday.

 

DTNODYA

Member

Dec 15, 2005

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Dec 4, 2007

#6

• Dec 4, 2007

• #6

3M Throttle Body Cleaner and Q-Tips.

The IAC on my truck has been 'bad' for 2 years now. I clean it twice a year and don't have any issues. I know people who have already bought two in the past two years. Unless something is broken with it, cleaning it is all you need to do.

 

mransr

Founding Member

Nov 3, 2000

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98

Riverside, SoCal

Dec 4, 2007

#7

• Dec 4, 2007

• #7

I clean mine about once a year...it's too new to replace, only has 189,000 miles on it

 

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avexhype

New Member

Nov 26, 2003

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Dec 4, 2007

#8

• Dec 4, 2007

• #8

cleaned it with carb cleaner i borrowed from a friend. it did NOTHING. iacOWNEd lol

 

Killa

Active Member

Jul 9, 2007

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Dec 5, 2007

#9

• Dec 5, 2007

• #9

I heard that you have to clean it with wd-40 then card cleaner, then wd-40 again. That how I did mind and it fine.

 

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avexhype

New Member

Nov 26, 2003

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Dec 5, 2007

#10

• Dec 5, 2007

• #10

you know what that makes sense since moving parts need lube. ill try that too thanks

 

d98gt

Founding Member

Mar 14, 2002

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SE Texas

Dec 6, 2007

#11

• Dec 6, 2007

• #11

Mine has acted up ONCE and I cleaned it and have yet to have a problem. This was 2-3 years ago so I wouldn't say you would 100% have to go out and buy a new one.

 

2000fordstanggt

Member

Sep 6, 2005

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Westland, MI

Dec 6, 2007

#12

• Dec 6, 2007

• #12

ive heard that if you neglect to replace your pcv valve that it will make the iac go bad faster.

 

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avexhype

New Member

Nov 26, 2003

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Dec 7, 2007

#13

• Dec 7, 2007

• #13

how much is a new pcv valve

 

2000fordstanggt

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Sep 6, 2005

404

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Westland, MI

Dec 7, 2007

#14

• Dec 7, 2007

• #14

avexhype said:

how much is a new pcv valve

Click to expand...

about $9 from the dealer. this is another one where the aftermarket counterpart isnt as good. so i would get it from your dealer and not autozone.

 

nyuk98gt

15 Year Member

Oct 10, 2000

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Chesterfield, MO

Dec 8, 2007

#15

• Dec 8, 2007

• #15

avexhype:

Contact cleaner will work OK. The routine is spray, brush, tap, repeat. You need a Q-Tip or small brush to get the "dirt" out of the IAC. Tapping it on the workbench helps to dislodge the stuff. You will be amazed at the volume of dirt that comes out. Do not spray up into the solenoid (it doesn't get dirty, lol). Try to clean all the dirt off the shaft and tip because it is metering air into the engine and if the shaft hangs up, the air flow will not be right for idle control (and other things). Watch that you do not tear the gasket when removing the IAC valve. Replace the gasket if there is a tear or you will have problems.

GL,

Chris