PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

Am wanting to remove my throttle body for cleaning, but my exhaust crossover pipe bolts are very rusted. I currently have them soaking up some penetrating oil overnight, but I am really worried about breaking one of them off.

In the TechInfo section about replacing UIM/LIM gaskets, the writer mentions the possibility of getting the throttle body brace off without removing the crossover pipe. Has anybody done this? What tool did you use?

I noticed that the GM manual says to just clean the throttle body through the MAF end (after removing the screen) without taking it off of the engine. Should I just do this instead (since I only want to do routine cleaning)?

Ken_W

I have only worked on the supercharged models, but there is no reason to take off the exhaust crossover to remove the throttle body. Just remove the 3 - 10mm nuts that hold it on, and slide it off. I don't know could be different that would cause interference.

I just checked the repair manual, and there is indeed a difference between the supercharged and non-supercharged here -- the supercharged does not have this issue. It is a much easier throttle body to remove, and also has a completely different gasket.

On the non-supercharged car there is a 5" long black brace that covers up one of the three TB nuts (the one closest to the front of car). The upper end of this brace is connected to the throttle body itself, with an easily-reached bolt. To remove the lower end of the brace (on the thermostat housing), you have to remove the crossover pipe, because it covers up the bolt. (This is what the manual says to do, and it seems correct to me.)

Here is a pic of the brace (from the repair manual):



I can't believe this is such a PITA -- there must be an easier way. If no one has any tips, I'll try getting at the blocked TB nut through the very limited opening behind the brace. This might be easier than messing with the crossover pipe.

Ken_W

the bracket holding the throttle body to the block, push it to the left, itll loosen itself and you should be able to remove it without undoeing the bolt near the crossover, its what i did, and i just tossed the bracket in the glovebox

I agree. Just push the bracket aside. However, leave it in place off to the side, and push it back into place when putting the throttle body back on.

It worked! I had to apply more force than expected on the bracket, but it finally relented and, with a grumpy creak, I was able to rotate it about 20 degrees, which gave me good access to the throttle body nut.

Thanks a lot guys -- this is the sort of tip I was hoping for.

Ken_W

I wonder why the L36 has the bracket and the L67 doesn't. Must be cuz the L36 intake is plastic and needs more support?

Dunno. Mine isn't running one, and I have no issues.

harofreak00 wrote:I wonder why the L36 has the bracket and the L67 doesn't. Must be cuz the L36 intake is plastic and needs more support?

That would be the only logical explanation I can think of.

harofreak00 wrote:I wonder why the L36 has the bracket and the L67 doesn't. Must be cuz the L36 intake is plastic and needs more support?

Yes... Think about it this way... when the engine is under load what direction is the TB being pulled in? The Bracket should give it all away... I have made do without the bracket and have never had any issues...lol