Is it possibel to give the throttle body a simple cleaning (so the car will run at stop signs etc...) by simply removing the intake bellows from the lower side of the TB and swabbing it out with a rag? I'm not intending this to be the end-all cleaning, just as a stop-gap measure. Are there any things I should be careful of if I take this approach?

For a quick clean, that works fine. Try using an old toothbrush to scrape the gunk off the back of the throttle plate and around the edges, then wipe with the solvent-dampened rag. Don't forget to spray out the brass nipples on the top of the TB. And try not to get spray on the throttle position switch.

Depending on how well you plan to get in there with the swab approach, it might just be easier to unbolt (3) the TB and clean it from there. Plus you won't miss any spots. It takes a couple of minutes to unbolt it/disconnect cables and linkage, and about 5-7 minutes to reattach it. Just be sure to replace the gasket (cheap) as good preventive maintenance.

Just a suggestion.

- Al

n/m