Engine Oil Leak

[rkvons]

Hi all,

I have this 1998 Monte Carlo LS with the 3.1. I just bought it recently and I've noticed that it has an oil leak. It's not the valve covers, and it doesn't really seem to be coming off of the top anywhere. I've looked around and can't seem to see where it is coming from. I asked the previous owner if he ever had the intake manifold gaskets replaced and he said no. So my question is really about the opening that used to be for the distributor. It has an o-ring in it that ends up getting hard and leaking. But would this cause oil to form drops on the bottom of the engine? This car has 181,000 miles on it. I know the oil pan is another possibility, but the fix for that is more than I care to do right now. Thanks.

[gmtech1]

If that o-ring is leaking, it can leak badly, could for sure cause drips on the botom end.

[19k40rocky]

yup, GMtech1 is right. had the very same problem with my 3.4. Figured that out when I pulled the motor and had to replace the head gaskets as well. I think mine also was seeping out of one of the oil galleries coming up thru the block as well. but again that was a 3.4 and you got a 3.1