I have a 1995 ranger 4x4. Engine is a 4.0. The throttle body has a sticker on it warning not to spray anything into it. Since I don't have the owner's manual to consult, is this warning outdated. Otherwise, how am I supposed to clean it from the outside?

 

Welcome to the forum

Is it the throttle body or the MAF sensor?

MAF(mass air flow) sensor needs a low residue cleaner or it will not work well, basically you use an electronics spray cleaner on it
Or you can buy "MAF Cleaner"

Throttle body is fine to clean with most cleaners, biggest concern is to not spray too much fluid in or you can hydro lock the engine

 

Sticker is on throttle body. When you take the air induction tube off of it, that's when you see sticker. I sprayed it with throttle body cleaner anyway, and have no issues. But I don't want to do it regularly as a part of maintenance if it's going to cause damage later.

 

I've read that some of them have a Teflon coating on them that can be removed from harsh cleaners and chemicals.
Not sure how true that is though.

 

In many cases, the throttle body bore has a factory applied coating where the butterfly closes. Some mistakenly think it is varnish, carbon deposits or something else evil. Do not remove the coating - it provides a seal around the butterfly when closed. Harsh chemicals can damage it.