Ok, i think i have sorted the water loss problem. Maybe! I spent a while flushing the system properly, and now it seems bettter. But now i have a new problem!
Jeez, I\'m glad I can say this is a 13 year old car, otherwise it would be embarssing! :D
Also, I\'m glad i have now got an Apexi ECU with commander, as it\'s occasionally (Actually, quite frequently) flagging up an issue. Its pointing out the VMOP sensor, which I find out to be the Metering Oil Pump Position sensor. I think this sounds bad! Its not always going wrong, and never reads zero volts output from the sensor - however, it does sometimes flag it up as an issue.
So, my first question is - if this sensor goes wrong, what does the metering oil pump do? Does it stop pumping oil into the engine, or go for a failsafe option and just pump in loads? (Basically, it it still safe to drive, or not!?)
Secondly, how easy is this sesnor to get to and replace? Is it part of the meter oil pump (And therefore down near the bottom of the engine near the water pump assembly?
Thirdly, does anyone want to help me replace it! :D
So, does no-one have an opinion on this matter then?
I don\'t know the exact ins and outs of the MOP failsafe system, but if this sensor is flagging up errors then its probably worth doing some research. Have a look here :-
http://www.iluvmyrx7.com/ Look in the online manuals bit and you should find a good break down of whats involved and what happens when it goes wrong.
Try unplugging the oil metering pump electrical connector and cleaning it up.You will find the mop under the lower rad hose and the sensor wireing is around the front engine lift eye (near alternator).They sometimes get oil vapour on them and cause false readings or the wire might of been damaged by one of the belts catching it. You could plug your std ecu back on and drive carefully and see if it goes in to limp mode. If you\'re worried no oil is getting in to the tips put a little premix in. :)
Cheers - nice one. I wasn\'t sure where the electrical connections were - so that should help. Just one thing: whats the front engine lift eye? I\'ll have a poke about, see what i can see!