Radiator flush

[Smokey5159]

Hi guys,
Was talking to a mate who has a petrol version cherokee, and he mentioned that he was able to replace the original thermostat with a hi-flow model.
Now I had a look at the equivalent job on this site, and it looks as though you can't do a simple swap on the CRD engine - in that it's a sealed unit?
Is this the case? You cant' improve the flow by replacing the thermostat?
Also, doing a coolant change - is this something I can do (I have done it on other vehicles), or do I need to have it professionally flushed?
Interested in peoples ideas.
Thanks, Smokey.

[glend]

You can't swap the thermostat on the crd because its in the housing elbow assembly and would need to be replaced as a unit. They have done a lot of work on alternatives in the US LOST forum but it involves modifying the housing and you need a machine shop for that. There was a guy over there who made a batch run but he has stopped now.

Flush you can do your self, I did mine. You will need enough distilled water to trun a couple of flush cycles to get rid of any flush solution you use. Make sure it is compatible with aluminium. Don't back flush with pressure!

[snail]

KJ Andy can fill you in on what not to do when flushing the engine coolant ......he got a nasty blockage due to a poor flush way up north of WA - so it pays to be pretty thorough about it!!
Like Glend i've done it myself and from memory Jeep recommends a specific coolant type which is not too hard to find.....dont forget to clean out the plastic holding tank as it can get very grungy!

[Auberon]

If a bloke could do this is there much interest?