Just found out yesterday while doing a routine check on fluids that I have carbon buildup on my intake manifold. Anybody have any suggestions as to why this may have happened and which cleaner is the best to use?

 

It just kinda happens with driving..

To clean it, use
annnd

 

Make sure that what ever carbon cleaner you use, that it is sensor safe (ie no silicone).

 

so is it dangerous to be driving the truck?

 

If it is running properly, no.

 

When I replaced my intake manifold gasket I cleaned all the carbon out of my intake while I had it off. Amazing what a little elbow grease, solvent, and a metal tooth brush can do in an afternoon. There was a lot of carbon after 110,000 miles. Runs like a champ again.

Intake manifold gasket set is like $30. Well worth a half day or even a whole weekend of your time. You'd also be amazed at how much carbon builds up and where it builds up.

 

Okay guys. Talked to my husband last night and we're gonna take it off and clean it this weekend. I've only owned this truck since last December, but am just now (at 177,XXX miles) starting to notice some issues.... leaking coolant, thermostat not working, hard shifting, etc.

 

More than likely the tranny issues are related to the engine issues. the puter monitors the engines perforamcne and adjusts he tranny performacne to maximize fuel emissions.

your non functioning coolant temp sensor could also lead to poor gas mileage.

Clean up the EGR while you ahve the intake off.