Spark Plug / Throttle Body Cleaning

[DirtyBacon04]

Well since I already had the plastics off the engine trying to diagnose the P0303 code, I figured I'd clean the throttle body and change all the spark plugs. And since I was doing that, I figured I'd document my adventure, and hopefully it'll be of some use to someone. I know for some of us this might be a simple task; but this forum is growing, and growing quickley and this might help our new members.

Items needed:
-10mm socket w/ extensions
-Flathead screwdriver
-5/8" sparkplug socket
-Can of throttle body cleaner
-Anti-seize
-Silicone Grease
-(6) replacement spark plugs (always ACDelco Iridiums)
-Mechanics Gloves (recommended)


I remove the relay for the starter as opposed to disconnecting the battery. There's plenty of info out there as to why it's not good to disconnect the battery to our platform. Here's the best(only) video on that topic




Remove Air box(1), intake tube(2), and intake resonator (3). (my intake tube had been removed prior to this picture, but thats where it should be)


The intake resonator is only held on by these two 10mm bolts and the hoseclamp from the throttlebody connection


unplug this vacuum hose to the FPR (fuel pressure regulator) [Edited by Roadie]


This is what you should be looking at.


Disconnect the two connections to the throttle body


Remove the (4) 10mm bolt that hold on the throttle body


Proceed to use your throttle body cleaner to blast away all the gunkyness. Make sure you move the butterfly valve while you do this, to ensure total coverage. Ensure you use "throttle body" cleaner, not carb cleaner. The chemicals are harsher in carb cleaner and could damage the throttle body, or so my research says.

Once the throttle body is cleaned, set it aside. Now we begin the coil back removal. Each cylinder has it's own coil pack that is held in by one 10mm bolt. Unplug each pack then remove the bolt, and pull up gently on the coil pack; the bottom is the boot for the spark plug. You should hear a the "poopity ploop" of the boot unseating from the plug. The #5 and #6 cylinders can be kind of a bitch so make sure no kids or holy men are around.


Remove each spark plug with the 5/8" sparkplug socket. Apply anti seize to the threads of the new plugs and silicone grease to the otherside


Install new spark plugs and torque to 13ft lbs. Assembly is reverse procedure. Ensure you reinstall any relays or fuses that you pull.

Take old spark plugs and do what you wish to/with them. Make a necklace, shoot them, weld them somewhere as decorations, etc. The options are endless.

Now get out there and get lost, get stuck, and save yourself.

This is by no means the "100% correct" way to do this. Everyone has different methods, but this is mine.

[jonbo2002]

Nice write up Bacon, and great pics. The only thing I did differently was found it easier to remove the throttle body once coil 3 and 4 were off. Makes the lower bolts easier to access.

[DirtyBacon04]

Yea, thats how i did it the time before. But hopefully people are cleaning their TB more than they are changing their spark plugs, so i figured it'd be better to have it set up with each seperate task.

[jonbo2002]

good point

[Conner299]

I may not have seen it, but you could also add a link to Mayo3LT'S YouTube video, in your original post. Would also be good cross advertisement for GMTNation, as well, since he's a member there.

[Conner299]

For the spark plugs, number 5 and 6, I found the perfect tool for getting them out. They are hex head plugs that fit in the hole, on an extension, where the ratchet would go. I then use a gear wrench, on this. Way easier than an extension, swivel, extension, and then ratchet.

EDIT: http://m.craftsman.com/productdetails.d ... 943303000P

[Diacom]

For the spark plugs, number 5 and 6, I found the perfect tool for getting them out. They are hex head plugs that fit in the hole, on an extension, where the ratchet would go. I then use a gear wrench, on this. Way easier than an extension, swivel, extension, and then ratchet.

EDIT: http://m.craftsman.com/productdetails.d ... 943303000P

A body lift helps too...

[DirtyBacon04]

Had a feeling someone was going to bring up the body lift...

[dirty anton]

I highly recommend the throttle body cleaning to anyone with a lot of miles or just older truck. This is probably one of the single best things and ( cheepest)I have done that made a difference in the way the motor feels after a tuneup. Before I did this the motor would sound like it was dragging when I turned the steering wheel while stopped. Good write up!