I never personally tried to clean one of these before last night. I started to have a starting problem (intermittently) it would take 3 or 4 times to start.(it would start,and stall). So I figured it was time to clean this thing. It was very easy to do,just as our members described. And as one member described,the screws were on very tight,(I dont know what that is all about) I ended up having to use a small vise grips to get them loose. I then proceeded to clean the valve,it was some what sticky,but not real bad. After I cleaned it,it was very easy to turn (this thing is basically an electro magnet) so you cant screw it up when putting it back together. I also noted a more refined throttle response after cleaning. So,time will now tell if this truely was the problem. So far,so good. (btw) I got a lot of black crap out of it when I disconnected the lower hose.

Ryan

 

I had to do this a few times in Miami, but have not had to do it since. Always seems when I go down one stretch of I-95 going southbound just north of downtown Miami, it becomes like the twilight zone for the IACV valve and sounds like a blow off valve stuck permanently open (twice it happened while I was listening to the Rush song Subdivisions on the radio, that's eerie). I then have to pull over get out the screwdriver and got to work. It's amazing how much garbage gets in there.

 

Cleaning only temporary solved the problem. I got fed up and bought a new once. I'm glad I did. I dont think I would try cleaning it again. I changed my 6 months ago and no idle or starting issues.

 

Well,so far it is working very well. I should probably clear the ecm,but I have an emissions test coming in a week or so. And i really dont want to chance it. maybe after the test.