OCV Where is it?

[bobmcc13]

My 03 FL has started to miss a beat when starting off and producing an engine fault light on the dash.
The diagnostic shows P1349 a VVT fault.
Further investigation suggests that the OCV is sticking and messing up the inlet timing.
This started after a thrash down the motorway.
The oil was changed earlier in the year and there is plenty in the sump.
I have tried to get to the OCV but I can't find it.
Could any of you good folks point me in the right direction preferably with photos.
If you know of any other solution please let me know, anything is better than working through the mass of pipes and wiring.
Thanks in advance.
Bob McC.

[dan944]

I believe it's top right of the block at the rear as you look from the exhaust manifold side.

Some info here.

https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=9c2c8053f38977dad8c6eb73062b3aa8&topic=38104.0
Best phot I could find sorry. Gets the idea across. This is from Inlet side.
https://goo.gl/images/ngg749

[Carolyn]

That's right, it sits in the head just above the alternator and it's a pig to get at.

This is what I do.  (sounds like loads of extra work, but it is probably the easiest method.)

Take out the vapour canister.  (Pull off two hoses and lift it straight up).

Jack the bottom of the engine (just to take the weight)

Remove the top right-hand engine mount.

It's now a lot easier to get at.

If it's still a struggle, remove the belt and the top bolt on the alternator.  Loosen the alternator bottom bolt and swing it away from the head.

The Oil control valve is retained by one M6 bolt (10mm head).

One it's out you can also get at the filter.  Remove, clean, replace.

The OCV can be tested by giving it 12 volts and seeing how well it moves.  It should click and move very quickly.  If it's sluggish, clean with solvent, oil with fresh oil and click many times until it's happy.

If it's a dud.  Contact Rutland MR2 and buy one that works.

Pics below.  The filter sits behind a 14 mm headed bolt just below the valve.  See pic 1

[bobmcc13]

Thanks for the info it was very useful.
You were right it is a pig to get out.
I've done everything you said but I am still struggling. (:< >

[Carolyn]

You'll get there.   

[bobmcc13]

Finally after a week fiddling in VERY confined spaces I have finally managed to remove the OCV and filter.
Guess what?
They were both as clean as a whistle and didn't need removing. (:< >
Ho hum
Bob McC.

[Carolyn]

A bit of mush somewhere in the oil system could be the problem.

May I suggest a flush with a good quality product like like Forte.  Not cheap and please follow the instructions to the letter.  Could be goop in the VVTI hub... or elsewhere in oil-ways in the head.  (Result NOT guaranteed!)

Well done on the perseverance front!

[bobmcc13]

Advice noted.
I will put everything back and see how it goes.
Thanks again for the help. :notworthy:
Bob McC.

[bobmcc13]

Arrrggghhh.
Having finally removed the OCV and filter I cleaned and tested everything and found that all was OK.
Today I started putting everything back and dropped the filter down the back of the engine, it has totally disappeared. (:< >
I spent all day looking for it own all the nooks and crannies but it has gone.
I took the short cut and ordered a new one, so on Monday I will probably lose another one.

[Chilli Girl]

Oh dear Bob, you must feel well fed up, I'm sorry to hear you are not having much luck but you will get there in the end.  You will forget all this hassle when you're out on that open road with the roof down and smiling as you go round the twisties.  It will be worth all your hard work.

[bobmcc13]

Argghh again (:< >
Today I tried to fit my new filter and guess what, as predicted I dropped this one as well, this time with the bolt. (:< >
After hours mauling around I finally got the alternator loose.
I removed the belt and moved the alternator forward.
Guess what again. I found my new filter and bolt AND the original filter. (:< >
I hope all my work was worth it.

Bob McC.