Originial Thermostat?

Finally got around to pulling the head on my tractor. I am having the radiator rodded out just for good measures, when I pulled the top hose I noticed
something inside it. It turned out to be about a four inch tube that has what looks like a spring and flappers on it, could this be the original
thermostat or is is an old aftermarket device. I have never seen anything like this in a radiator hose.

Good chance it is the thermostat since that is where they go on the N series tractors

Newbie8nowner,It could be an original stat or a replacement,I have never seen one that was 4" long though.

Start boiling some water on the stove. Clean that unknown thing the best you can . If a"flap" opens;put it back in.Brass;good original part. If it doesn't open go to Ford-New Holland dealer;buy a new one.

neubie........originally, the N-Tractor didn't have a thermostat and was designed to runn all day. The N-Radiator is OVERSIZED. Sounds like yer 4-incher is like the one pictured in the FO-4 manual. Modern in the hoze thermostat is only about 2-in long. Pointy end to the radiator. .........Dell

Here is a pic of the OEM t-stat & hose w/ the clamp.

Yes, you need a t-stat in the tractor. (see tip # 25 at the link) And you can test that old one in a pot of boiling water or buy a new one, 160* or 180*.

You can get a 160* t-stat here. If you want an 180* t-stat, you'll need to look around.

Try A&I part # A-11C15, Gates 33108, Beck/Arnley part # 143-0024, Auto Zone p/n 3518 or NAPA part number THM 184 for 180* in hose t-stats.

The car parts store folks are helpless w/o vehicle make/model/year info. Some can/will actually search on the number & cross reference, but more often than not, you will just get a dumb look. HINT: find a clerk near the age of your tractor..... Try telling them that the t-stat is for your 1977 Renault R12 1.6L L4.
All of my 180* t-stats are A&I A-11C15’s or AZ 3518's. They are a very tight fit in an N hose, but they will fit. I’ve never used the Gates, Beck/Arnley or NAPA t-stats so I can’t help you w/ anything there but the part numbers.

All that being said.....if you do not consistently run the tractor to operating temp, you will get condensation & sludge as a result.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=2582642&cc=1264609

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?R=THM184_0293180243

75 Tips

Here is a pic of the OEM t-stat & hose w/ the clamp.
It's been a long time since I saw a long one like that ,I had forgotten about them.Thanks Bruce