At start-up there's no problem with my Accord (mileage ~ 130k), but after driving a little at interstate speeds then coming to a stop, the oil light has been flickering off and on for about a month. Sometimes it would flicker, sometimes not. It never really came on until yesterday, and this morning I took it in to get checked out. The nearest service center informed me they would hook up a gauge where the oil sending unit goes and check the pressure. About $80 later, I'm told that I need to replace the oil pump, timing belt, and water pump for $1,500. The reasons given were that the pressure started off at 80 psi, went up as the engined revved up, and dropped to 15 psi at idle. This could, or already has, cause starvation or blow the oil pump because of a "sticky" valve in the pump.

Sooo question time. Is 15 psi too low a pressure at idle? From what I've looked up, 10psi is the minimum. The timing belt and water pump were both replaced at 108,000 miles. I understand the timing belt has to be removed to replace the oil pump, but does it have to be replaced completely along with the water pump? The technician said it would be saturated with oil. Also, why not check the oil pressure switch before going straight to the oil pump as the problem? I'm not a car guy, I don't know alot... but are these the right questions to ask?

 

I found your own advice compelling. An oil pressure switch is inexpensive and easy to install. Oil pumps almost never fail.

15 psi at idle and 80 at speed don't appear to be out of line w/ specs.

good luck

 

no your pressures are good, I always go by psi for every 1000 rpms as a minimum.

 

Had a second diagnostic done at a Honda place. They came back with completely different numbers and correctly diagnosed the problem... Oil pressure switch.