[Lynn Eades]

Just be aware that to much heat could result in damage. The path you are heading down is probably the way it was set up in the first place,(rather than being adjustable in service.
I am sceptical about why it has changed.
The bellows contains alcohol ? and I suspect the engine has been overheated (maybe no water around bellows) and each element has stretched beyond it's elastic limit??) to the point where it has stretched without failing (from leaking) If a bellows type thermostat fails, it fails in the closed position (bad) whereas a wax filled thermostat usually fails in the open position (better)
It will be interesting to know how it performs in the future.