Actually they face down. Sometimes when you remove the plugs nothing will come out. This is because a layer of crud has formed plugging the hole. An awl or small tipped screwdriver can be used to break the crud plug and get the coolant flowing out. Use caution if pulling the plugs when hot.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.