I have a '11 Kia Sportage in the shop with barely any oil pressure; 182K, Theta II 2.4L MPI engine if my research is right. It came in because the owner was complaining of a noise that, by his description, I thought was going to be a bad belt tensioner, but I've not gotten it to make any noise since I've had it; however, the low oil light would come on after running just a couple minutes, afterward coming on any time the engine dropped to at or near idle. Only DTC was P0014 "Camshaft B timing over-advanced" - I figure this is a result of the low oil pressure. Hooked up a manual gauge at the low press. sensor fitting and it read 2-3 PSI on cold start. Replaced oil filter (Napa Gold both times), no change. I've done the last two OC's with Maxlife in decent proximity to one another - currently the oil looks fairly clean and right at the full mark. Next step, check the pickup screen - pulled the pan and it's clean. No debris in the pan but there's plenty of varnish on the pump and bottom of the bed plate.
My plan was to inspect (in order) the pickup screen, bypass valve, then the pump itself. The drive chain off the crank is intact and appears fine.
I can't find any information on how the pump is designed or where the relief valve is - anybody here with some pointers? It's part of the "balance shaft module" and it's not as simple as a couple bolts to pop it off so if the relief valve can be inspected without removing that assembly that would be preferable.
FYI, the engine still sounds and runs fine so I believe it's still solid and finding/fixing the oil pressure problem will yield a good repair.