"Would gravity alone be adequate to drain the block of coolant (upon loosening the block drain plug), or do I really need to create a pressure set-up rig on the coolant overflow tank?"

Try it both ways and see how you would answer your question. I always help it with pressure.

"How long of 1/2" clear vinyl hose do you recommend to connect the container to the engine block drain plug?"

About yay long. Gotta leave some of the fun to you.

"I really hate draining the radiator from the lower hose because it always creates a mess. I wish those radiators had drain plugs like the rest of the radiators out there. Is it possible to drain all of the coolant from that engine block drain plug?"

Yeah, I miss the old petcock at the bottom of the rad, but no, I have to pull the lower hose, and sometimes it makes a splash. That's why it is nice to have a floor that's easy to wipe up. I'll let others chime in on how they flush their cars, as this thread is about identifying the block drain.

"Finally, do you recommend any brand of radiator/coolant flushes for neglected cooling systems, such as my newly purchased Volvo has?"

Again, someone else can suggest what works for them. I just use my well water to flush and fill with ethylene glycol and distilled water. Things shaking out your way??


--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

It's all fun and games until your jeans don't fit.