"ENGINE" COOLANT DRAIN PLUG

[paul43]

I am in the process of draining and replacing the coolant in my 2001 Chevy Astro van with a Vortec 4300 V6.

Can anyone tell me or show me me a picture of where the ENGINE COOLANT DRAIN PLUG (NOT THE RADIATOR PLUG)is located so I can make sure I have drained all the fluid out. I have a set of GM service manuals and in the manuals they stated that if you don't drain the block will only get about 50% of the coolant out---being that the 2001 call for the DEX-COOL Antifreeze which they claim is good for 5 years or 50,000 miles I would like to make sure I have all the old coolant & water out before I add the new stuff

I ran a flush in it and remove the thermostat and put the gooseneck back on and flushed it until clear water came out---now I just want to empty the block.

Also in it a good idea to use DISTILLED WATER for the coolant mix or is regular tap water OK.

Thank You,

Paul Lijeski

Melbourne, FL

[email protected]

[01safari]

I don't have a picture, but the the "plugs" you are looking for are on each side of the block. If you were to look just in front of the oil filter, there should be a hex headed plug. If I remember right it was 1/2' or 9/16' . When you remove it, do it slowly so you don't get splashed with coolant. There is one on the other side just like. That one is around the starter. I was able to remove both without any real trouble. Also be sure to use some thread sealant on them before reinstalling them.

I did use distilled water on mine, even though the manual says clean drinking water.

[Jasen]

Welcome to A/S

[Mr_Bowtie]

Welcome!

Distilled water is best, but tap water works fine.