Oil Problems

My '99 Intrigue is also losing oil, about 1Q/400 miles. Mechanics say it is rear main seal. Another mechanic says it's the pan seal.

However, I had this very same 3.8L block in my '81 Malibu and the oil problem is the damn oil pressure switch. The switch integrity fails and starts leaking and leaving oil under the car as well as blowing it off on the road and leaving spotted stains all over the rear of the car. I haven't been able to confirm on my car yet but the location of the leak should be on the left rear side of the engine, about half way down on the block. Make sure you understand this as the engine is mounted transversly in the engine bay (that means crosswise for you amateurs and the rear of the engine is on the right when looking at the car from the front so this means the leak is on the right front of the engine as you look at it). That's exactly where mine is leaving an oil stain.

I suggest all you leak complainers check your oil switch for leaking before paying for an expensive engine job. It will begin leaking around 40-50K miles. If you can replace it yourself, and you should be able to, the part is only $10-$20.

Foxer