Expert: James - 6/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2004 f-150 5.4 ltr.  I have changed the fuel filter recently.  When I am driving and come to a stop the truck idles down and dies like it is starving for fuel.  Is there another filter that needs to be changed around the gas tank?

ANSWER: No, there is only the one filter. What is required is cleaning of the throttle body. You have some major carbon deposits clogging the air jackets used for air passage when the butterfly flap is at the idle position.

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QUESTION: How do you clean the throttle body?

Answer
Remove the air filter duct work. Use air intake and throttle body spray as your cleaner. Spray the inside of the throttle body and clean with a cotton towel. Elbow Grease s a must. The point is to remove the carbon build up around the air jackets of the butterfly valve inside the throttle body. These get clogged preventing air from passing through at an idle.