I want to drain my blocks before I winterize. I was told by an old timer not to even try to loosen the petcocks because this is an older 1988 454 and the petcocks haven't been open in a long time. In fact they might be fused and it could be more trouble than its worth.
I wanted to know if there was any other way to drain the block? Maybe like sucking it out of one of the hoses like when I change the oil? Has anybody ever done this or know a better way? Thanks

I've never heard of that one!

The block drain plugs are brass and come out pretty easily. You will probably need to take a pick or something and stick in and loosen up the sediment on the block so it will fully drain.

I highly recommend draining the block and manifolds before running the antifreeze through. We saw numerous crack blocks last spring from not winterizing correctly.

yep, definitely drain the blocks. like Kurt said you will most likely need to poke something in the hole to loosen up sediment, i have to every year. also it is important to not just drain the blocks but refill with the proper anti-freeze. draining will keep them from cracking but you need the rust inhibitors in the anti-freeze to prevent corrosion.

Where are the drain plugs on the manafolds? Also, do I have to drain both sides of the block or just one?

Both sides of block, they should come out, ours came right out this winter, havent been out in at least 7 years.

Manifold drains are on bottom toward stern, brass also.

My '88's opened fine, and they were in salt for a while...

Just loosen the hosr clamp and pull the water hoses off the manifolds and let it drain.

Yes, you need to drain both sides of the block.

Does it actually have the petcocks ? or are they the most normally
seen, brass plugs ?

If it does have the petcocks, and they wont open up,
you can still remove the whole petcock assembly from
the block ( just like you would remove the brass plugs)

Is this the first time in 16 years that it had to be winterized ?

What size are the drain plugs? Also, do they come off counter clockwise?

Righty tighty, lefty loosy!!!