DCCV - Flush fixed?

[TrickVert]

I've done a thorough search, and got tireman's great write-up on disassembly and cleaning but have a couple questions before I proceed.

Symptoms: Occasional change from air-conditioning to full-on heat while in auto temp mode. Sometimes air on one side is slightly cooler than the other. Cycling the temp up to 90° and back to 60° typically resolves for awhile. Frequency of the problem increased as summer progressed.

It was time for a coolant change anyway, so I drained and flushed with H2O, and the put in Prestone radiator cleaner. I've driven the car several times since (the cleaner is still in), and have not had one instance of the above problem.

Is it possible the rad cleaner has resolved the issue, and the symptoms will not return for some time, or is is more likely just a coincidence? I'm debating pulling the DCCV (or simply replacing it), but if it will run for another year or two as-is, I don't want to spend the time or money. I just started a new job, and don't have a whole lot extra of either right now.

Input will be appreciated. Thank you.

Andy

 

[craigh]

From my understanding of how the DCCV works, it is possible that you flushed out obstructions that have accumulated in the DCCV. You have nothing to loose at this point. Fill it with fresh antifreeze and drive it for a while and see what you get.

 

[motorking]

I've done a thorough search, and got tireman's great write-up on disassembly and cleaning but have a couple questions before I proceed.

Symptoms: Occasional change from air-conditioning to full-on heat while in auto temp mode. Sometimes air on one side is slightly cooler than the other. Cycling the temp up to 90° and back to 60° typically resolves for awhile. Frequency of the problem increased as summer progressed.

It was time for a coolant change anyway, so I drained and flushed with H2O, and the put in Prestone radiator cleaner. I've driven the car several times since (the cleaner is still in), and have not had one instance of the above problem.

Is it possible the rad cleaner has resolved the issue, and the symptoms will not return for some time, or is is more likely just a coincidence? I'm debating pulling the DCCV (or simply replacing it), but if it will run for another year or two as-is, I don't want to spend the time or money. I just started a new job, and don't have a whole lot extra of either right now.

Input will be appreciated. Thank you.

Andy

Andy,
i am the tech manger at prestone. you likely have cleaned the crude around that valve with the flushing agent. That said-it's time to get it out of there! Drain, flush again with clean water and ad your favorite (hopes its prestone) coolant mixed in a 50/50 ratio with dionized or distilled water.

 

[joegr]

Wow, this board is getting popular.
First the battery guy, now an anti-freeze guy.

 

[tireman]

temp difference

according to the manual, there will always be a slight temp difference between the passenger and drivers side vent temperatures. nothing to worry about. Keep driving. AND yes a flush can fix the dccv problem in some cases by lubricating and flushing out any contaminants trapped inside the dccv,,,,,just think about the position of the dccv (at the lowest point of the entire system) all the bad stuff will end up there.

 

[TrickVert]

Andy,
i am the tech manger at prestone. you likely have cleaned the crude around that valve with the flushing agent. That said-it's time to get it out of there! Drain, flush again with clean water and ad your favorite (hopes its prestone) coolant mixed in a 50/50 ratio with dionized or distilled water.

Thanks, motorking. I have 4 gallons of extended life Prestone in the garage waiting to be poured into two different cars. I'm glad you posted here, as I have a "Prestone" question: Can you tell me the real difference between the "Flush" and the "Cleaner" other than the amount in the bottle and usage recommendations? Thanks!

Andy

 

[motorking]

flush vs cleaner? What is the diff?

Thanks, motorking. I have 4 gallons of extended life Prestone in the garage waiting to be poured into two different cars. I'm glad you posted here, as I have a "Prestone" question: Can you tell me the real difference between the "Flush" and the "Cleaner" other than the amount in the bottle and usage recommendations? Thanks!

Andy

Hey Andy,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The difference is this, flush is a milder agent made for routine maintenance cleaning of the cooling system. The cleaner is made for heavy duty cooling system cleaning when it is sludged up or plated out with deposits from using old style silacated coolant or "leak sealers". Love this site, I am a cadillac owner, CTS-V. Wish Ford would build a hot rod lincoln, as I also a die hard Ford fan, my other car is a 67 Mustang.

 

[TrickVert]

Thanks for the reply. I've always wondered if the formulation was different, or if you just ended up with a weaker solution when using the flush since there's less in the bottle. If it's all the same stuff, I'd buy two flushes and save a little money.

No bother. New coolant is in, and the AC is still working. Hope out stays that way!

Andy