2003 Yukon coolant change, 5.3 liter

[newbeebob]

Greetings folks;

I'm new to the forum, so first off I'd like to say hello!

My wife actually has the 2003 Yukon XL, I have thre responsibility of maintenance. It's time for the 50k mile coolant change. I checked the manual, but I'm a little confused. The procedure talks about the usual removal of the fluid via the petcock. It then talks about draining the fluid from the block via the plugs. So, I climed under the car to find these plugs. The manual is confusing as is the illustration.

Is there two plugs on each side of the engine, or one plug on each side?

And, where are they? On the driver side of the block, I see a large plug looking thing toward the rear of the block. I do not see one on the other side. I also don't know what tool is used to remove it if this is the plug.

Is it even necessary to drain the block? Typcially it is to get rid of all the old stuff.

So, guess I'm asking for help with this one. My other vehicles are pretty cut and dry. Unscrew the pipe plug or knock sensor and your done. on the Yukon, either I'm not seeing it or the plugs are covered by other machinery.

any help would be great. thanks much.

 

[disem]

Simply open the tap that is located on the radiators's exit pipe. The outlet. It is located on the left bottom part of the radiator when you face the engine. You might need to crawl under the car. Drain the coolant and after it stops pouring out, start the engine for a few seconds. JUST a few seconds!!! Some more coolant will came out. Do not worry if a little coolant is left in the engine. Then close the tap and refill.

 

[disem]

You might also want to drain the expansion tank, which is done separately.

 

[newbeebob]

Thanks....

Well if I don't need to sweat the block, the radiator part is easy.

I did plan to drain the expansion tank. hadn't looked at it but I was going to remove it and dump. Unless there's a drain on it?

Is that big plug on the block a drain? Looks like it would be used for overhauling purposes or something.

Hey, thanks again.