Continental Z134 Engine Thermostat

[MF2615Fred]

My Dads' 1960 Ferguson TO35 tractor ran a 160 degree thermostat as OEM.
Many retailers are now are calling for a 180 degree unit.
I'm replacing the 50+ year old radiator and thinking the engine would run better, with no side effects, by running a little hotter and actually run better. 160 just sounds a little too cold in my mind.
I'm torn as to what direction to go with this. Most modern gasoline engines run 194, but of course, metallurgy has vastly improved in 50 years.

 

[stingray]

as it says in the manual 160 degree thermostat, is this 160 degree thermostat available to buy

 

[GreenWannabe]

I did a quick search of the internet for a 160 degree thermostat, and came up right away with this one from Autozone: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/_/N-8gctr?itemIdentifier=139155_413832_1640_

 

[stingray]

is it exactly like the old thermostat in your TO35 tractor, if so thats the one for you

I did a quick search of the internet for a 160 degree thermostat, and came up right away with this one from Autozone: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/_/N-8gctr?itemIdentifier=139155_413832_1640_

 

[MF2615Fred]

Thanks for the info.
I ran down to Auto Zone and picked up their 160 degree Fail-Safe thermostat (made in Israel).
The 160 I took out was still closed at 170 degree bench test, so it failed CLOSED; not good.
I've had a Honda thermostat fail (in the opened position) and knew it when the temp gauge would not get to the correct operating range. This is the way ALL thermostats should function, no pun intended, when they fail.
With a new radiator, cap and thermostat, Ole' Joe will be much happier this summer than last.