Td4 Coolant change + flush

Good afternoon all.

Going to be changing the coolant in my TD4 this week, not sure if its even been done in 70k, the job looks straight forward enough according to the Haynes manual.

But before I start I'm looking for a bit of advice please.

I'd like to try to flush the system without removing the thermostat by removing the bottom radiator hose, flush the radiator through with fresh water, refill the system with fresh water only, run the engine up to temp so its flushing through then repeat the process a couple of times to try and clear the old coolant before filling with a 50/50 mix of OAT antifreeze.

What do you recon, is it a good idea to try it this way or is thermostat removal the only option????

Thanks in advance
Freely3

Fro some reason its say LR2??? It's an 54 plate TD4 Sport

drain it flush it once themostat in place refill job done no point doing it a couple of times

I was told that running the car with a crushed dishwasher tablet added to the coolant tank for 100 or so miles helps to clean any crap out before flushing and replacing the OAT - that was on an MG forum though, so not sure if it may be different with Freelanders...