Tools required: Aerosol Throttle Body or Carby Cleaner @ approx $5.
Blade screwdriver
Old toothbrush
Clean rags

Time: Approx 30 minutes

Preparation: To assist drainage from the Throttle Bodies during cleaning, vehicle should be parked on a slight slope, nose down, and securely chocked OR parked on a level surface with rear jacked up. Not essential, but it helps.




1. Remove rubber intake hose(s)in front of throttle body(s), by undoing the hose clamps. If engine is warm it's easier.
2. Block the exposed air pipe(s), with a rag to stop anything falling in.

3. Remove the little vacuum hose from under throttle body and twist out of the way.

4. Jam open the main throttle, with a screwdriver, where cable joins quadrant. That's thru the rectangular hole in plastic cover on top of plenum.

Before - worst build up was on the underside or back of the butterfly.

5. Lay plenty of rag under the throttle body to collect gunk.
6. Spray throttle body/carby cleaner into the orifice and using an old toothbrush, gently scrub all around incl. both sides of the butterfly. Pay particular attention to the underside of the butterfly. Wipe out with clean rag.

CAUTION: Do not allow any solids/tools etc. to enter plenum. Do not use sharp objects, scrapers etc.

7. Repeat the process (4 to 6 times) until it's all clean and shiny!

After - blow thru to ensure vacuum pipe is clear of debris.

8. Re-fit vacuum hoses and air intake hoses. Note: it's easier to refit air hoses if a little detergent is wiped around the inside of the front (smaller) end, which must go on first. Release jammed throttle and remove all tools, rags etc from engine bay.

9. Crank engine several times - it takes a while to re-start. Test drive and enjoy! [Note: idle may need re-setting by disconnecting battery for 30 seconds to reset ECU]

PS: Don't be surprised if, during mild acceleration, you hear what is commonly referred to as the 'goose honk' - recirc. valve flutter!

Written by 'K-zed' - www.aus300zx.com

aka 'RobZed' - www.nz300zx.org