Cleaning The Iacv

[Vimmy]

I was wondering if anyone has cleaned their idle air control valve recently. Mine seems to be sticking after steady runs on the motorway and backroads to and from work. As I come to slow down, stop and then wait to pull away I see the revs dropping down to 100 to 200, hover a bit and then as the throttle is blipped a little it fixes itself and things are back to normal.

I have read a few threads where poeple have removed the IACV and then used cotton buds with carb cleaner to wipe away any built up residue and this has sorted the problem. They also mention to check the state of the gasket that sits under the IACV where it sits above the throttle body.

I'm also getting a constant whistle from the IACV which makes me think its sticking and as the air rushed past inside it and this maybe another indication that it needs cleaning along with the idle issues. This noise started off like the sound of a a vacuum leak but has now got a lot louder and is constantly there. When i put my ear to the IACV i can hear the air rushing inside it, and when I cover the IACV with my hand and listen again the noise almost goes indicating where the noise is coming from it.

Has anyone taken their IACV off to clean and come across an issues doing so or had any problems with the gasket than can perish and hence needs replacing? I did read that the two screws holding it in place are real soft and so care is needed when removing them, are there any issues when repositioning the IACV when is has been cleaned ie position of the IACV wrt the throttle body?

Cheers,

Col.

[Vimmy]

Hmm I'll put up my findings after I have cleaned it all up, assuming it all goes back together correctly.

[stum450n]

Hmm I'll put up my findings after I have cleaned it all up, assuming it all goes back together correctly.

Mine now seems to be doing a similar thing so you're findings would be appreciated! I was hoping someone replied to this post for you but I guess we'll have to wait!

[Big 'D']

Hmm I'll put up my findings after I have cleaned it all up, assuming it all goes back together correctly.

Hi mate I missed this post LOL

The IACV is easy to remove but there is no real need to touch the screws on the top (they are for adjustment), completely remove the IACV from the intake manifold via the bolts on the rear, it is a very straight forward task of remove clean refit, the gasket should pose no problems unless it has been siliconed in the past, there is a diaphram inside the manifold once you have removed the IACV just be sure that if it is removed and cleaned that it goes back in as it came out, if you are at all unsure just let me know mate I am just round the corner.

Cheers Iain

[Big 'D']

A leaking dump valve could also cause your symptoms mate (if an atmospheric dv is fitted)

Cheers Iain

[Vimmy]

Cool many thanks Iain, from what you have said explains, on my multiple searches for cleaning this item, why people have had idling issues after they had cleaned it, it may have been because they removed the screws to get at it rather than unbolt. Dare I assume that as long as the engine is cold that the water at that point in the system wont leak out everywhere as the IACB comes off, I'm working on that theory

No alas I hav no atmospheric valve, im a true blue recirc kinda guy

[Vimmy]

Hmm looked at doing the job the other day but found that there are two bolts on top and one on the bottom holding it to the intake manifold and the TMIC is in its way. I'll have to take it out and refit a replacement oil pressure sender at the same time whilst its all out, bummer