[DakotaPwr]

Had a rough idle on my '02 4.7L, along with jumping RPMs upon startup. I went to autozone and picked up a new IAC Valve for around $60.

Took off the CAI and Throttle Body (fairly dirty) and cleaned it all up with some cleaner. BBK looks new again

Installed new Idle Air Control Valve onto the side of the TB, and I cannot believe that my idle is similar to the first day she came home!

 

[bwdakrt]

Excellent! This is why I make it a point to remove and clean my TB at least once a year, especially the IAC port and the tip of the IAC sensor. It only takes about 30 minutes and can save you big $$$ on new sensors and also helps with mpg and performance.

Good job! :mullet:

 

[DakotaPwr]

I'll certainly be cleaning out the TB and sensor once a year. Thanks bwdakrt

 

[caulk04]

No need to replace the sensor every year. Keeping the sensors plunger clean won't help it's lifespan either...

 

[bwdakrt]

No need to replace the sensor every year. Keeping the sensors plunger clean won't help it's lifespan either...

Nobody said anything about 'replacing' the sensor every year and who says it doesn't help the life span of the IAC sensor to clean it every year? Link please. :waiting:

 

[dakotanut]

Once a year? Ok. Great info. No I won't replace the IAC every year.

 

[99fabtechdrango]

there's nothing out there proving that cleaning the iac will help it last longer and there's nothing proving it wont either. but what is proven is keeping it clean will keep the truck running better

 

[bwdakrt]

there's nothing out there proving that cleaning the iac will help it last longer and there's nothing proving it wont either. but what is proven is keeping it clean will keep the truck running better

There's a lot more that gets gummed up on the IAC sensor than just the tip. If you've ever looked down inside a dirty IAC sensor past the tip, you know what I mean. For the $60 a new sensor would cost, you can buy a lot of cans of spray carb cleaner.

 

[Leadfootluke]

There's a lot more that gets gummed up on the IAC sensor than just the tip. If you've ever looked down inside a dirty IAC sensor past the tip, you know what I mean. For the $60 a new sensor would cost, you can buy a lot of cans of spray carb cleaner.

Does the 5.2 [1998] have one? And I guess you already pointed it out with carb cleaner, but some other cleaners [brake, etc automotive cleaners] can destroy the sensor, so that is something to keep in mind.

 

[bwdakrt]

Does the 5.2 [1998] have one? And I guess you already pointed it out with carb cleaner, but some other cleaners [brake, etc automotive cleaners] can destroy the sensor, so that is something to keep in mind.

Yes you do have a IAC sensor.

 

[DakotaPwr]

I never said I would purchase a new IAC sensor every year, but rather meant keeping the TB clean.

Once I did pull the sensor, it was evident that 120,000 miles certainly had its impact on the IAC valve. Not only was it black, the head of the sensor wouldn't pull in and out very easily. (Re-ensuring that my idle was jumpy due to the shot sensor)

The port that the sensor is inserted into the TB was dirty and took quite a few shots of cleaner to eliminate.

Needless to say, keeping your TB and IAC Valve clean is a sure fire way to keep your idle where it should be.

It now jumps to 1200 on ignition, and settles back down to about 600RPMs at idle. Its smooth as butter and for about $65 (TB cleaner and IAC Valve) the truck doesn't have idle issues any longer.

 

[caulk04]

I read your post as you were going to replace it, my bad. Obviously, keeping it clean isn't a bad idea.

I've never tried moving my IAC valve by hand, but it seems pretty stiff. Even the new one I installed a couple years ago. All you need to clean is the plunger end of it, that's what does the work. I fail to see any logic in how cleaning the sensor will make it last longer, none of the electronics are exposed to carbon buildup and you're a fool if you spray carb cleaner into the electronics anyway.

This is a pointless argument anyway as neither of us have proof to our argument. I'm just failing to see any logic in your side of it.

 

[DakotaPwr]

I understand your side Caulk, but I never said I sprayed the cleaner into any of the electronics; I only cleaned the TB which is a no brainer, with the electronics removed of course.

I also disagree that buildup doesn't occur on the IAC valve (if that's what you mean when talking to fabtechdrango), as it is plugged into the Throttle Body, with passage to the TB and Intake Manifold.

I don't see any negative points when it comes to keeping both clean, I know I just benefited from the little amount of work that was done and that's what matters to me.

To each their own

 

[caulk04]

I also disagree that buildup doesn't occur on the IAC valve (if that's what you mean when talking to fabtechdrango), as it is plugged into the Throttle Body, with passage to the TB and Intake Manifold...I don't see any negative points when it comes to keeping both clean...

I was only disagreeing with Dwight. There is buildup on the IAC, obviously. Only on the very end of it though, just the plunger tip that acts as the valve. Not back where the actual workings are.

There are no negatives to keeping it clean, whatsoever. I'm just saying there is no evidence to prove the actual part will last longer if kept clean.

 

[Leadfootluke]

Yanked mine out tonight and cleaned it. Lots of buildup. The tip and barrel looked fuzzy from the carbon build up.

 

[bwdakrt]

I was only disagreeing with Dwight. There is buildup on the IAC, obviously. Only on the very end of it though, just the plunger tip that acts as the valve. Not back where the actual workings are.

There are no negatives to keeping it clean, whatsoever. I'm just saying there is no evidence to prove the actual part will last longer if kept clean.

REALLY! When the IAC sensor opens up, that crap gets pulled all the way back to the big o-ring seal at the very back of the sensor! I've removed sensors from the 4.7 TB's so damn black and gummed up inside that you couldn't tell they were ever silver inside. I've removed IAC sensors from the 3.9, 5.2 and 5.9 TB so damn gummed up and black the area between the tip shaft and the casing was packed solid! To say that the tip is the only part that gets dirty is just plain talking out your ass because your head don't know any better! Give it up caulk, you don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about!

 

[bwdakrt]

Yanked mine out tonight and cleaned it. Lots of buildup. The tip and barrel looked fuzzy from the carbon build up.

If you didn't remove the TB and clean it, especially the IAC port, you've only started the project.

 

[Leadfootluke]

If you didn't remove the TB and clean it, especially the IAC port, you've only started the project.

And that is why you have a PM.... :jester:

 

[bwdakrt]

And that is why you have a PM.... :jester:

PM replied.

 

[caulk04]

REALLY! When the IAC sensor opens up, that crap gets pulled all the way back to the big o-ring seal at the very back of the sensor! I've removed sensors from the 4.7 TB's so damn black and gummed up inside that you couldn't tell they were ever silver inside. I've removed IAC sensors from the 3.9, 5.2 and 5.9 TB so damn gummed up and black the area between the tip shaft and the casing was packed solid! To say that the tip is the only part that gets dirty is just plain talking out your ass because your head don't know any better! Give it up caulk, you don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about!

Sorry Mr. God. Are you mentally capable of having a civil disagreement? I think not.