Question for mechanics
 

I have a 2003 Ford F150 with 103k miles. About 2-3 weeks ago it started dropping the idle really low after it warms up. I replaced the fuel filter but that didn't help. I felt the rubber elbow behind the throttle body and it feels like the vacuum pressure collapsed the elbow. I haven't been driving it much but it usually would run okay it would just die when it was in park. Today on the way to work the check engine light finally came on.

Since my long mechanic had throat cancer and I think he may have passed, I took it to a mechanic that I've never used before. He says the throttle body has a lot of gumup that needs to be cleaned out as well as replacing that collapsed elbow. He also says the IAC needs replaced. Because it was after hours before I returned his call and he was at home, he didn't have the exact estimate. His rough idea estimate is about $450-$500. My question is does all of this sound necessary and does the price sound reasonable?

Buy a can of Carb cleaner and grab an old toothbrush. Open the throttle body blade, spray, clean with the toothbrush. Clean all the way around the inside of the t-body and the blade. That may take care of the problem all together. Prob take 10 mins.

As far as the estimate goes I have no idea. Haven't quoted any prices in several years.

Yeah, try that. I don't know a thing about cars and I've done this on my Camry.

Just be sure not to accidentally drop the toothbrush into the throttle body.

Dude, you just got water in the gas. Siphon out some gas and take a swig and see if you can taste water. If you do then drain the tank and refill.

You dont test the gas for water the way hog semen gets tested for it.

Dude, that sounds a bit overpriced. Change out the hose and run a can of BG intake cleaner thru it. You hook it up to the main fuel line.

Thats not going to clean the throttle body.

Soak the entire truck in antifreeze overnight.

This...is...beautiful

NO......it......isn't

yeah...i would think that too much for a repair that only needs to be the PCV boot at the intake.

oil got in there (normal) over time and weakened the rubber until it collapsed and tore. not it has a vacuum leak and is making it run lean.

$25 repair. plus some carb cleaner and a toothbrush to clean the throttle plates

Lzen, I'd wait to see what Exoter has to say.

So you think I should take it somewhere else? I still have to pay him for the diagnostic, which is $100. Are you suggesting that I do the repair myself? I guess I might be able to do it myself. I'll have to look on youtube to see how involved it is. I guess it depends on how hard the throttle body is to take off.

Yea, I'd throw a new pcv valve on it too.

Holy poon, $100 dollars to check it out?