Preventative Maintenance ADD YOUR TIPS!

[andergar]

Caterashaker, when you did the throttle body cleaning did you get any error codes? I want to clean my today,but I'm afraid of getting a code.

Thanks
Steve
andergar@comcast.net

[PEETYZ]

do you disconnect the two tubes that go into the engine via Air intake and spray and clean from there?

[andergar]

I did and held open the butterflies open with a screw driver. A lot of black stuff ran out of the throttle body. Now the bad news. I had seven engine error codes go off. I had to go to Autozone to clear the codes. Everything good after that. The codes were a misfire in each cylinder and a MAF error. I talk to my local mechanic and he recommends a professional throttle body and fuel injector cleaning at this shop. Cost is about $180 and two hours of time. I'm going to do this in the few days. He recommends this every 30 - 45k miles. I'll report in next week on the results.

Steve
andergar@comcast.net

[caterashaker]

Sorry for the delay guys. Andergar, no, I didn't get any codes. I think the mechanic is right but I think that that's $180 bucks too much for something that you can do yourself. The misfires were from all the gunk and run-off from the cleaner finding it's way into the combustion chamber. You did the right thing by taking it to Autozone and having them clear the codes for you. By the way, what brand of throttle body cleaner did you use? Pete, yes, disconnect the 2 black plastic hoses that go from the air box to the plenum and go to town with the spray. Hold the throttle blades open and do both sides. Refer to my first post. Cleaning the throttle body is easy and effective. Keep me posted.

[andergar]

Sorry for not getting sooner caterashaker. The throttle body cleaner I used was GM brand. My mechanic ended up only charging me $140. This is my first full tank of gas to see if my mileage is any better. I'll let you know. Soon.

Andergar
Steve
andergar@comcast.net

[PEETYZ]

wow expensive i got a bottle of cleaner and did it myself for around 3 bucks i parked down a hill so all the bad gum and other black stuff ran out the front end & not into the motor i notice the difference already and mine were not to bad to begin with =)

[zealious]

When Oil Cooler fails, dont buy a 300 dollar replacement cooler, just re-route the lines to a air trans/oil cooler ($50) mount to the front of ur radiator near the fan, never worry about cooler again.

You can grab some sloted and cross drilled rotors for about 90 a pair off ebay. (cheaper and better than stock)

what ive done with my air box is left the stock one because hot air is pointless.. I upgraded to a K&N in stock box but I improved the piping from the front of the car. I took off the front piece that is mounted to the grill and used larger custom piping. If you dont feel like going that route I belive just drilling holes in the box with the K&N would be bettter.

You can bypass your Heater blow off valve using a aluminum pipe.

thats all i got.

[zealious]

also When I had my intake manifold off, I cleaned the throttle body.. also the entire intake housing, its good to get the ports as well. I even sprayed carb cleaner on the fuel injectors.

When you do this you might as well change your fuel filter. Its easy just remove ur rear passenger side wheel.

[rinverso]

Great job guys, i learned alot. it was so nice to get constructive, positive help instead of the usual idiots bashing the cat and saying how it sucks!! still loving my cat, hope to keep it long as posible. these maintiance items will certainly help.
thanks again for the positive input!!
robert

[elvin315]

Originally Posted by andergar

My question is if the air filter is open in the engine bay, where is it getting the cold air? The engine bay produces a lot of heat.

My thoughts exactly. I've only found pictures of 2 true cold air induction systems on a Catera/Omega. Both have shortcomings.

Hood Scoop 1
Hood Scoop 2

Under Bumper 1
Under Bumper 2

Elvin