How do I get all the coolant out of the engine?

I have a 99 Sub 5.7 liter and just changed the intake manifold gaskets. Next step is to get all the coolant flushed and try to get that "exact" 50/50 mixture of Dexcool. The radiator plug does not drain but half the coolant.

What is the best way to drain all coolant entirely - is there a plug in the block?

easiest way would be to removed the upper radiator hose at the radiator and put a garden hose in the radiator cap opening, turn on the water just enough to keep the radiator full, start the engine and run until the water is clear from the upper hose. next shut all off and drain the radiator and add dexcool, you should have approx 50/50 solution then. if you dont want to do that then you can remove the block drains from each side of the block about midway back.

Have you read about all the problems and lawsuits with Dexcool?

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/news/7oys/072503_7oys_dexcool.html

[QUOTE=jfmctlaw]Have you read about all the problems and lawsuits with Dexcool?

yes, read lots. My conclusion is it works but like any sophisticated technology, it is sensitive and you gotta RTFM...or directions...to get it right. I had "winged it" at 30K when I refilled after changing the water pump and probably did not get exact 50/50. Now at 54000 I started seeing some rust around top of tank and on radiator cap. Since I had the infamous intake manifold leak - yes at 54000 - and had to fix that, I made sure I mixed exact 50/50 for the new Dexcool.

1. Mix exactly 50/50. used a quart measuring cup into a large 6 gal container (system holds five). USED ONLY DISTILLED WATER. Cost $2.50. Drained system by removing plug and sensor from block per suggestion in this forum (thanks!) then opened thermostat housing and added most of the 5 gals, which helped eliminate most of the air , I hope.

2. made sure system is fully full. Keeping overflow tank at the line.

3. Bought new radiator cap to keep seal tight.

4. Cross fingers.

I would think that if Dexcool is really the problem creator some people are claiming - and not just another lawyer money maker - we will start getting the hard evidence during the next few years. If not, it looks like chicken little and his lawyers are on the loose again.