1972 engine overheating.

[i_am_gabriel]

I just got a stock 72 corolla with a 3kc 1.2l
It has been overheating, I rerouted the hoses away from heater core, flushed radiator, put 160 thermostat, put in aftermarket temp gauge. No leaks now. Problem is I dont know what its supposed to run at!?!?! any ideas? Thanks

[belgichocolate]

I had a similar question when I replaced my 1991 corolla thermostat, because there is a choice of 160F, 180F or 192F. As I did with my thermostat, I went to a website specializing in OEM parts (overnightautoparts.com) and looked up your 1972 corolla 3KC 1.2L and it shows the OEM part as being 180F thermostat (same as my 1991).
Running the engine slightly cooler may degrade your performance. Did you keep the old thermostat? If so, look on the mounting surface (remove the old gasket first) and it should be stamped with the temperature. For 180F, it should be stamped 82C...might be hard to read on an old thermostat, though. Good luck.

[i_am_gabriel]

I have tried both 180 and 160 and it seems to run slightly cooler longer on 160. I am not really worried about performance, just dont want to overheat.