Chevy & GMC Vans

Alrighty,

So I'm working on changing the thermostat as it is stuck open.

I still have my '02 factory manual and since mine is an '03 I figure it cannot be too far off the mark. Right?

So I've got the doghouse off, the upper fan shroud out of the way and I'm reaching all over on the bottom corner, trying to find the drain plug to loosen up and...well...drain the rad.

However, after I spent nearly 10 mins searching in vain, I decided that my oversized, sandwich-clamps are simply not getting the job done and finding the drain valve. So, break out the phone/camera and I found this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14106849@N04/10030204294/
That large, round spot is where the valve is supposed to be.

Can someone please tell me what I'm missing over here? I have animals around the house/farm and don't feel like thinning the herd with antifreeze flowing everywhere.

Thanks!

I think the eliminated the drain petcock in the last years. Gonna have to get a large catch pan and pull the bottom hose off. If you go slow with the hose you can control the dumping somewhat.

That is what I feared the solution was going to be, just hoped for a different answer.

Why in the blazes would they do what they did? Makes no sense to me.

Thanks!

Probably all about the all mighty dollar. The accountants figured it would save $1 per vehicle!