DCCV Replacement Project

[Robert Crain]

So I now have hot air blowing through the drivers side vents and cold blowing through the passenger side vents. A new DCCV in order? While I’ve got that part of the car disassembled, I plan on replacing the upper and lower radiator hoses along with a new serpentine belt. What else should I consider replacing? The car is a 2003, 3.9 with 160,000 miles. Thanks! Rob

 

[bagman52]

I replaced the expansion tank and thermostat housing when i did my DCCV and hoses. Replaced thermostat housing with the Jaguar version vs going with plastic

 

[joegr]

I replaced the expansion tank and thermostat housing when i did my DCCV and hoses. Replaced thermostat housing with the Jaguar version vs going with plastic

In that case, you have a 1st gen LS. He has a 2nd gen LS. The thermostat is completely different on the 2nd gen, and there is no metal option there...

 

[Robert Crain]

How about the belt tensioner or the aux water pump? No problems now with them but.......
Thoughts?

 

[AmsterDutch]

How about the belt tensioner or the aux water pump? No problems now with them but.......
Thoughts?

Might be a good idea to inspect the water pump ...Motorcraft water pumps have plastic propellers...always good to check out the condition ...also if you're replacing the hoses upper and lower you might consider replacing the t-stat housing and degas reservoir ...not sure when you changed those last two items but ....since you're in there and its summer might be a good idea to beat the heat and get it all done so that if we have a really hot summer your engine will not be running hot

 

[04_Sport_LS]

If you are changing out the DCCV... then it would probably be a good idea to change the aux pump too... since it's a PITA to work in that area.

Ask yourself if you want to go back in there at a later time... to replace something you can do now while you're there in there.

 

[Robert Crain]

04SportLs, I was looking at purchasing one for all the right reasons and almost pulled the trigger but instead, spent my remaining project budget money on a replacement serpentine belt and upper and lower radiator hoses. They were starting to look......worn. Murphy's Law will probably win the day though. I'll start putting money away now for that aux pump.

 

[Robert Crain]

Project is complete and life is good again. I took apart the old DCCV just to learn how it works. Both solenoids were filled with coolant due to failed o-rings and the plunger stems were caked solid in a mineral-like grit. Interesting. The old serpentine belt was shot and long overdue for replacement but replacing the old radiator hoses and removing the electric fan made this task a breeze. Removing the electric fan was quite easy and provided a ton of good accessibility to get at those radiator hoses and serpentine belt. It popped right back in. I protected the exposed radiator with a piece of cardboard. The radiator hoses still looked pretty good but I replaced them too just to be on the safe side. The only "mistake" I did was not replacing the auxiliary coolant pump and that was a very dumb move on my part for sure. Although it still works, it's looking mighty rough. I immediately ordered a new one from Tasca Parts. Another project for another day. If any of you replace an original DCCV, absolutely plan on installing a new aux pump as well. Bleeding the cooling system of air was easy as I followed the steps outlined here on this forum.