Massive Oil Leak

[Laser17]

I have the 98 3.8, and It has a massive oil leak, it was supposed to be *repaired* a month ago, but 3 weeks ago the low oil light came on, i marked the date, and filled it to its 2 quart level, about 17 days later, the light came on with only half a quart left, I don't know what to do, I've only owned the car October 04, and its been leaking since i bought it. It only has 64000 miles on it too..any suggestions? I'm really at a loss and I know i will damage the engine if i keep driving it while its leaking oil. I do my best to keep it completely full though. There was only one concern, in the time wheni filled it and marked the date, we had a snowstorm, and i had to push the engine pretty hard to get it out of the snow when stuck, is it possible i burned alot of the oil up? HELP

[kmohr3]

You need to have it re-checked by the people that fixed it - they need to make good on the repair before you end up with a trashed engine and expensive repair bill! I would do it tomorrow. Until then I would check the oil daily.

Do you see oil leaking under the car? It may be an oil pressure switch or something easy. It could also be an upper intake. Also the rear crank seal plate gasket are known to go bad on these engines, (this requires removal of transmission to repair that).

Get it checked!!!!

[Ruley73]

Originally Posted by Laser17

I have the 98 3.8, and It has a massive oil leak, it was supposed to be *repaired* a month ago, but 3 weeks ago the low oil light came on, i marked the date, and filled it to its 2 quart level, about 17 days later, the light came on with only half a quart left, I don't know what to do, I've only owned the car October 04, and its been leaking since i bought it. It only has 64000 miles on it too..any suggestions? I'm really at a loss and I know i will damage the engine if i keep driving it while its leaking oil. I do my best to keep it completely full though. There was only one concern, in the time wheni filled it and marked the date, we had a snowstorm, and i had to push the engine pretty hard to get it out of the snow when stuck, is it possible i burned alot of the oil up? HELP

What do you mean you filled it to the "2 quart level"? Last I knew oil dipsticks only have a one quart full/add (add = 1 quart low) gauge on them. I haven't seen the dipstick on a Series II 3800, but I would imagine that it's quite similar to the one in my '95 Regal GS (VIN L 3800 T.P.I.).

The 3800 engine doesn't have a history of being an oil burner so I doubt that you could have burned it off by pushing the engine a little hard. However, a bad PCV valve can cause excessive oil consumption. See if you can find a leak to verify that the engine is leaking or burning the oil (if no leak is visible). If it is leaking it's probaly either the LOWER intake gasket or the rear main seal. No oil flows through the upper intake so it can't be that.

[Laser17]

Don't judge an engine dipstick you've never seen, it definatly has 2 equal sections, in the middle being *add one quart* below this line is the end of the dipstick, and in equal length above the line is the room for the second quart, after you go above these equal sections its overfilled...

[panzer dragoon]

when you buy a car look very closely at the contract you are signing. Usually you have 30 days to return it if not satisified. Some states also have lemon laws that mandates that the dealer must take it back under certain conditions. Check out your local states lemon laws.

the same thing can be said for any work that is done on it. Look at your contract, Is there a warranty? Most likely there is and I would take it right back to them. If they won't fix it ask for your money back or take them to small claims court if you must. Take pictures or a video for evidence, before getting your car fixed.

The 3800 is one of GMs best engines and should have minimal problems. Alot of people get 200,000-300,000 miles out of them.

If the dealer won't fix it. Use an engine cleaner on the engine and powerwash it off. Try to keep water away from the electronics. Refill engine with oil and notice where the leak is coming from. If no visible signs the engine must be burning the oil.

Maybe you could go to a higher weight motor oil. Like straight 20W instead of 10W-30. I don't know if this is a good idea with the 3800. Check out the other Oldsmobile forums since most Intrigues are 3.5L --a totally different engine.

I'm sure a good GM dealer will find that leak right away.