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I just did the coolant on my '90 240 myself for the first time today. I had the same problem you did- got confused looking at that metal bar underneath the car that was exactly in the way of the lower radiator hose. I must have stared at that thing for at least 15 minutes trying to figure out why it was there and how I could take it off. I finally decided that its sole purpose is to make draining the radiator more difficult.
Luckily, you can work around it. The easiest way to do this is probably to drain the engine block first by opening the stopcock. It's toward the back of the engine on the passenger side, and has a long nozzle where a mechanic would attach a tight-fitting hose. You can use a simple length of garden hose loosely fitted over the nozzle to lead to your drain pan below. You will need a #13 wrench for the bolt, which should loosen fairly easily. Let this drain out completely- it will take a few minutes. You don't need to completely remove the stopcock, just turn it enough to open it.
In the meantime, accquaint yourself with the reserve tank. It's the white plastic thing probably filled with green fluid (coolant) next the the white plastic thing filled with blue fluid (windshield wiper fluid). Unlike other cars you may have encountered, you add water to the reserve tank, not the radiator itself.
I did this procedure backwards from what I am describing to you, so it's very possible that after draining the engine block, there will be no coolant left in the reserve tank. However, if there is, you will need to drain it. First, loosen the metal piece that secures the reserve tank to the car. Remove the top hose from the tank. Tilt the tank so all the fluid drains. Then drain the fluid from the hose that is attached to the bottom of the tank. When you remove this hose, be sure you hold it up so coolant doesn't spill everywhere. Then direct the flow into your drainpan below the car. Again, you may get to skip this step if you drain the engine block first.
The last step is to detach the bottom hose from the radiator and drain that as well. I used a large funnel to direct the spill, but yes, some fluid did end up on that metal bar below the car.
To flush the system: reattach all your hoses and tighten the stopcock. Fill the system with water by adding it to the reserve tank. Run the car for a while (5-10 minutes?). Make sure the heater is fully open. Keep your eye on the temperature gauge and check for leaks. Wait until the system has cooled down, then repeat the drainage procedure. Refill again with 50/50 coolant solution and you are good to go.
Incidentally, you may develop an air pocket in the upper radiator hose that leads to the engine. You will know this has happened if the engine heats up but the hose does not. To get rid of the air- squeeze the hose a few times with your hands. The hose should get hot.
As for getting the dead bugs out of the radiator- i blasted mine from the engine side with a garden hose. I suspect compressed air would be better, it has less potential to damage electrical components. It will be easier if you remove the fan shroud (unfasten the 2 rusted screws at the top of the black plastic thing that surrounds the fan).
Good luck.
Chris
As I work on this car, I am slowly learning three things: 1. What I can fix myself, 2. What I can't fix myself, and 3. What I don't want to fix myself. Changing the coolant may fall into category 3.
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