Mikegj04

Hi, I'm new to the forums and have done a lot of reading up on this issue but can't seem to "solve" it. But I have a P1259 code I've been struggling with for awhile. I have an '01 Civic EX 1.7L (all stock) with 192k miles. Just to make aware, I did a head gasket/water pump/timing belt replacement awhile back and car ran good but at certain RPM the car would hop (around VTEC rpm, almost like I hit the rev limit early - about 3k) so I took the VVT sol off and found crap in the filter screen. Replaced the screen and that solved the "hopping" issue but doesn't fix the P1259 code. Checked oil levels, changed oil, Changed the VVT sol (tested to make sure sol we're working and both work), changed oil pressure switch, checked wiring from ECU to each the VVT sol and the pressure switch and wires are good to the computer. Changed the connectors on both the sol and the pressure switch just cause I noticed a crack in one of them. Nothing seemed to "fix" it so I'm having a hard time believing it's electrical but not ruling anything out at this point. I tested the oil pressure by removing the oil pressure switch on the VVT sol housing and piped in a 100psi gauge. rev'd the car to 3k RPMS (don't read any oil pressure until I and jumped the VVT sol to the pos off the battery to activate it) but only at 3k RPM I only had about 25-30psi. Did the test again only at 4K RPM and hit the limp mode rev limit and only had about 40psi. Reconnected all connectors and removed the gauge and was able to rev the car to 5K RPM before hitting a rev limit. Was told I should have 60psi at 3k RPM with no load on the car (reving engine sitting in park) but I'm not even close to that. Is there anywhere else besides the oil pressure switch I can read the oil pressure? if I check it at the oil filter housing, what kind of pressure should I see? Also I noticed my rear cam seal is leaking...could I be losing enough pressure there to cause the code? I drove the car like this for a week to work and back and it runs GREAT, but the CEL light won't go away and I can't get it inspected till I take care of this headache. I did drive the car to work one night and kept it under 2500rpm uphill and drove normal on the flats and down hill and the code never came on. Has me scratching my head. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

bbarbulo

that does seem a little low for oil pressure, for a 99-00 it is spec'd out at 57 psi at 5000 rpm. have you tried cheating and using a heavier weight oil? i don't recommend as a long term solution, but it's not a bad troubleshooting step before you try to replace your oil pump or something like that.

Mikegj04

Thanks for the reply. No I haven't tried the heavier oil trick yet but considered it during its last oil change. Oil light never comes on so I'm gonna guess the engine is getting what it needs but not enough to engage the vtec. Any other spots to check oil pressure besides the oil pressure switch?