Finally got around to doing the O gasket mod and some much needed cleaning. As some suggested on here, instead of installing the TRD throttle body gasket, which is a thick paper, I just cut the original "D" gasket (which is metal) to a full "O" using a combination of a weak, beginner rotary tool and some scissors. Some grime actually created a "template" for me to follow which made it easy to cut and get a nearly perfect circle:thumb: lol.
Figured while the throttle body was off I should clean it, as I had yet to do it since buying the 4r few years ago. I'd say it was time! The backside (end facing the engine) was much dirtier than the front (air filter side), although I spent a while really trying to get as much grime as I could. I followed
JA's walkthrough and it was really easy.
And since I just put a new air filter in last week, I cleaned the Mass Airflow Sensor as well. Using CRC MAF cleaner, I again followed
JA's maf cleaning writeup. I tried to brighten/enhance the bottom left picture so you can see the two wires down inside the sensor that need to be sprayed with cleaner along with the amber-beaded wire that is more visible. There were quite a few mentions in the forums about people stripping the small screws that attach the MAF to the air intake, so I was prepared to get surgical, but luckily my screws came right out, with one of them even already being replaced with a flat-head screw.
Topped off the radiator, wiper fluid and removed a few wayward leaves, closed the hood and called it a day. Engine fired right up and sounds good! Here's hoping my hp and mpg go waaaay up!