Engine running over normal temp

[DJR-TRD]

Hi guys, I got a problem with my engine. I own a 95 Corolla jap spec. It used to have a 2E 1.3L engine, I swapped to a 3E 1.5L.

After cold starting after 10 mins it will run over 176ºF and with normal driving it will go past 212ºF which is redline and goes over.

I placed a new radiator in, checked water pump, checked thermostat, checked fan, checked all hoses. Rad fan kicks in but when it goes past 212ºF, kinda late. All this time I have to run with the fan permanently on which it shouldn't.

My engine is stock, no mods, only shaved head which yields 10.3:1 compression. Weird thing is that my old 1.3L used to have 11.0:1 compression and never had overheating problems.

Do you think it can be a bad thermoswitch or is it the compression raise?

Thanks for your advice!

[speedy25]

I would guess a head gasket leak since you seem to have handled all the other possibilities. I'll tell you to boil the thermostat AGAIN just to be sure. They manufacture some really poor quality ones these days.

Have a radiator shop that can test for combustion gases run a test for you to rule out head gasket leaks.

-SP

[DJR-TRD]

Headgasket ruled out, as I'm not loosing water, also compression test came out good.

Today with the new radiator in, temps are much lower but with the fan permanently on. Outdoor temp down here is between 80-90ºF.

I'll put on a new thermoswitch and see how it goes.

[DJR-TRD]

Checked thermostat, it's good.

Yesterday coming back from work at night it kept nice at 140ºF with the thermoswitch disconnected and fan permanently on.

Today I replaced it with a spare thermoswitch from my old motor and the fan still won't come on. It goes to 212ºF on long stops or traffic jam. As the car starts moving temp will slowly drop.

Tomorrow I'll hunt for a new sensor and see if it works.