"...succeed to drain all the coolant from the little drain plug in the cylinder block??"

I think the lack of a radiator drain petcock is another minor Volvo design fubar. I've never trusted the block petcock — always the damn thing'll snap off. Nobody wants a snapped petcock.

"...soaked the alternator..."

No harm. Probably washed off some road grime.

"...soaking all the garage's floor..."

Keep pets away from antinfreeze. I hear it's not good for them (like they die, 'n stuff).

"...the plastic splash pan doesn't help!!"

No, it IS a pain when you wanna get the water out. But it's good when the water wants to get in.

Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)