How to remove?

Also, when you pull that front cover, expect some coolant and other junk to fall "just wrong" and wind up in the pan. This is where fully draining the block help. Often the drain plugs on the sides of the block are frozen though, but you could use a turkey baster and some vacuum hose to suck put the block first. I hate getting any moisture in the pan..

Still time to drain the block by removing the drain plugs on both sides. Sometimes you need to break through the crud behind the drain plugs with a punch or small screwdriver.

Something I'm scared of doing, taking the drain plugs out.

I'll drain the oil tomorrow.