Fitting R5 thermostat on a Freelander td4 automatic

is it bigger job to fit the top hose thermostat on my td4 auto i have been told that it is different from the manual version ,any help on this job would be greatly appreciated many thanks to our knowledgeable members in advance .

click the link
https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/td4-thermostat-mod-83°-or-89°-pros-and-cons.323672/

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/td4-thermostat-replacement-the-way-to-do-it.166331/

Joezeppy said:

is it bigger job to fit the top hose thermostat on my td4 auto i have been told that it is different from the manual version ,any help on this job would be greatly appreciated many thanks to our knowledgeable members in advance .

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It's more difficult to fit the thermostat in the hose, as the automatic box top hose it both shorter and of a smaller diameter than the manual box hose. It is possible, but it does take some effort to get the stat in the hose, and the hose takes on the appearance of a snake that's eaten a large meal.

my thanks to members of this great club, have ordered stat and will be giving it a try. Would it be easier to remove hose and stick the end in very hot water to soften the rubber?.

Joezeppy said:

my thanks to members of this great club, have ordered stat and will be giving it a try. Would it be easier to remove hose and stick the end in very hot water to soften the rubber?.

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That's what I did.

Job done temp rock solid bang in the middle of gauge, heater nice and warm now. auto box seems to change up and down more smoothly than before or do I imagine it. Also went to get water bottle from back of car bloody handle came off in my hand,cure one prob up bobs another. Taped handle back on everything still working thankfully, is this a job I can do my self.

Joezeppy said:

auto box seems to change up and down more smoothly than before or do I imagine it.

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If the fluid is warmer, then it'll change smoother. When was the fluid last changed?

i have owned the vehicle 3 years in may done about 12. 000 miles only ,i don't know when the fluid was last changed i haven't done it as it has always changed gear smoothly it just feels a little smoother since the stat was done.

Joezeppy said:

i have owned the vehicle 3 years in may done about 12. 000 miles only ,i don't know when the fluid was last changed i haven't done it as it has always changed gear smoothly it just feels a little smoother since the stat was done.

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The fluid should be changed at 5 year or 60K intervals. Not doing so really shortens the life of the gearbox.

will look in to doing that when weather gets warmer. thanks a lot for all your info.