My Integra is beginning to make some strange noises along with vtec engagement troubles. I've archived and found that several of you DC2 guys have experienced oil pump failure and was wondering if there were any noises and/or problems before it finally pooped out.

This thread elaborates what I'm up against:

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread/1994703

 

The best thing to do if you have doubts about your oil pump, is to test the pressure with a gauge at various rpm levels, while at operating temps.

 

well vtec not engaging is usually a sign of low oil so your right there which would only mean one of 2 things its low on oil or the oil pump is just tired check it out buy a new one there not to expensive or hard to change so do it and see if that solves the problem man and then if thats not it i dont know what to say im to tired to even think at this moment of what it could be

 

There are alot more things that can cause the vtec not to function. Do you always just guess at what is wrong and replace items that don't need to be replaced? The right way to confront any mechanical problem is to test any suspect components if possible to rule them out and move on to other potential causes.

Would suck to spend all day swapping an oil pump to find out his car wasn't reaching temp or the screen on the VTEC solenoid is clogged, or some other easy solution. Testing the oil pump via a pressure gauge is easy and can rule out the pump as the problem.

I am not saying the oil pump isn't his problem, but that a pressure test can rule it out if the oil pressure is fine.