Does anyone know where the block drain plugs are? I'm in the process of changing out the water pump and figure now is the time to go ahead and flush the system (76K miles). I have a Haynes but the picture showing the location is a zoomed in shot, not too helpful if you don't know where to look. I've done the 4.3 and 5.3 vortecs but this one seems to be different in a lot of ways!

Also, is there a PCV valve on these engines? A local garage advised me there is not, he continued to say a lot of newer cars don't have them, is that true? The Haynes manual says it should be in the left valve cover (driver side). I've looked, there and the passenger side as well. No PCV valve and no hoses running up to the covers that I can see.

One more question, where's the thermostat? Is this an integrated unit within a housing as the manual suggests? I can't see anywhere on the radiators lower hose where the housing is, or a thermostat.

Thanks in advace for any help you can provide!

Phil

 

found the thermostat. still looking for the engine block drain plugs & PCV valve...

 

NO PCV Valve on this application.

The block drains are on the side of the block near front midway between the exhaust manifold and the oil pan, the plugs are recessed requiring a square 3/8" socket extension to remove in most cases.

The left drain plug is just behind the power steering pump for instance.

 

Thanks for the info. Found the plugs. The tune up went well. Not looking forward to the next time though.