I'm trying to drain all the coolant out of my 3.4L Camaro, to check the radiator and do a coolant flush.

I have a Haynes manual and the service manual for the car I downloaded, and both mention the knock sensor and block drain plug. I can't find either...there are not illustrations in the books as to where they are located on the 3.4, and everything I find are pictures of the LT1 locations.

Where can I find the knock sensor and block plug to drain everything out?

 

should be below the exhaust manifolds on both sides. got any pictures you can post

 

knock sensor location 3.4

 

Thanks for that. That seems a little difficult to get to...much less collect coolant from. Should the engine block plug be on the opposite side?

 

yes and yes.

 

Here are a couple pictures of access from the top to each side. From under the car, you can find/see even less.

 

going to have to get to them from underneath

 

I just got back to looking at this today. All I can do is put the car on jack stands, and from underneath I just can't see through everything to access the areas below the exhaust manifolds. Removing the knock sensor/block plug, properly collecting the coolant, and reinstalling those parts sounds just about impossible.

Am I not going to be able to get all the old coolant out of the engine without removing those components?

 

I am in the same boat as you. I think I have located the knock sensor, but it seems impossible to get to. (The plug for the driver's side is just past the oil filter.) Every time I try to do a complete coolant flush, I end up just giving up on getting it all out of the block. I would love to know how to actually get the thing out though.

 

Why are you guys draining the block? Seems like a lot of risk of damage. I mean yes you want your coolant clean but the most important part of coolant maintenance is to keep the radiator flowing good and to cancel out and acidic build up. With Age coolant becomes and acid. A coolant flush will have a base in it to neutralize the acid.


If you change your coolant every 3-4 years then you just put the flush in and 2 days later drain and replace your coolant. I did not watch the whole thing but this video seems on point if you are getting a car that has not been maintained.