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When I clean the Idle Air Control Valve, do I have to worry ...

Sent to Car Experts August 19 11:48 PM

When I clean the Idle Air Control Valve, do I have to worry about fluids leaking out, how do I clean it, and what should I use to clean it?

 

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1991 Honda Accord LX 2.2L

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Status:  Closed   Value: $2
Answer
August 20 12:38 AM (49 minutes and 41 seconds later)
         
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You won't gain anything from cleaning the IAC so don't bother...if it's acting up replace it...it's the DC motor that acts up, not the filth. You can clean your throttle body/plate if it's dirty and that'll make a difference.

You'll need to use an old toothbrush and carb or brake cleaner spray and it needs to be spotless.



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Sparkybuoy -- Auto Mechanic -- 93% Positive Feedback on 193 Car Accepts
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Answer
August 20 12:55 AM (17 minutes and 2 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

That's incorrect.

Carbon builds up inside the assembly and causes the actuator to bind up. You can clean them and reuse them. I've cleaned them many times and they work fine after, saving the customer from buying an unneeded part. The actuator is like a screw that moves in and out to increase or decrease the opening that lets air around the throttle assembly.



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