Q: Oil Pressure

asked by

James W

on June 19, 2016

I have procured a RSX Base K20A3 (MT), Car has a P1259 (VTEC malfunction) code and will not see past 4K revs (LIMP). Changed oil to Mobil 1 5-20 as per OE specifications. (Previous owner claimed to put 20-50, for reasons unknown at the time, but now I think it's clear).Red Oil light stays on during cold start for about 3-4 seconds longer than I suspect normal, and intermittently 'flickers' between shifts or when revs go below 500. After warm-up, it's not as frequent for the light to 'flicker'. Suspected low oil pressure and proceeded to check with mech. gauge. Took off VTEC solenoid to gain access to oil pressure sensor below, uninstalled switch and installed gauge and VTEC solenoid.Upon start up, gauge climbed just over 10psi at idle. According to OE specifications that is correct. But, upon diagnosing the 3k Revs minimum (44psi), the needle barely moved if not but only to 15psi at one or two occurrences. I am suspecting a worn or bad oil pump at this point or bearings.

My car has 176000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

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Q: Oil Pressure

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