Help With Throttle Body?

[kustomss]

Ok so I was taking apart my throttle body in preparation for a gasket set, cleaning parts as I went. Then I decided to try to remove the throttle blades. I broke off all 4 screws in the throttle shaft. It turns out, GM used special screws that were designed to break off :evil: So my question is, can I drill out the screws and put the plates on with a small machine screw and nut with permanent loctite? Or should I get a small tap (next size up) and re-tap the shaft for new screws?

 

[DRIVEN]

Either will work. The shaft can get pretty fragile if you drill and tap it larger. I would suggest the machine screws and nut. Actually, if it were mine, I'd probably just get another throttle body and not try to remove the plates. Why were you taking them off?

 

[kustomss]

I didn't want to get another throttle body, I'm on a tight budget, but that I might end up doing that. I was trying to take them off so I could remove the throttle shaft to clean the whole throttle body. Definitely not one of my best ideas. 😳

 

[DRIVEN]

Usually not necessary to tear them down that far unless you are re-bushing the shaft -- but you know that now 🙂 . If you reuse yours take your time getting the plates centered so you don't have vacuum leaks or binding. Unless you're in a real hurry to get it together it might be worth looking for a replacement because they typically aren't that expensive on CL or in a yard ($20 on half-off day). Whichever route you choose be sure the shaft is tight. Best way to check it is to barely crack the plates open (just off idle) and give it a wiggle. The driver's side is always the loosest. Even if it is loose it normally doesn't cause huge driveability issues. Just erratic/inconsistent idle.