My 98 is leaking oil, what are the possible problems?

Hi guys,

I have 1998 Monte Carlo Z34 with a 3800 Series II V6 engine. I bought it about a month ago, and we noticed about a week into it that it was leaking oil. We contacted the guy who sold it to us, and he said that he would have it repaired at no cost to us. We took it to the garage and the owner who also inspected the car, said that the tint was too dark... but took the car for repairs.

We come back two days later, and I swear all he did was illegally remove the tint. But that's a different story and we are taking him to court for doing that.

But the fact remains, the car is leaking oil. We tried something that says it was guarenteed to stop the leaks by replenishing the valves or something along those lines (I'll get the real name later)

Here are some pictures, of what looks to be the trouble area... Can't tell if it is higher or if it is this area.

http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p295/sportster2k/?action=view&current=DSC00408.jpg

http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p295/sportster2k/?action=view&current=DSC00409.jpg

Oil leaks require a thorough cleaning of the area, then installing a leak detection dye in the oil which will allow a direct trace of the source, pictures cannot pinpoint the problem, this is the proper way to locate any leak that does not have a plainly visible source.

Could be the oil pan gasket or valve covers.The oil pan gasket is known for leaking,it is an one piece gasket made out of plastic and most autoparts stores stock them.I have seen one burned up in a Grand Prix,not too bad because of the oil leak and was totaled by the insurance company with a green title.My father fixed that one by putting in another wiring harness,that was only thing that was wrong with it,burned in one small spot after buying it from an auto salvage auction.The valve cover gaskets were leaking and caught on fire,were replaced.

The most common oil leaks on the 3800-k are the valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets. In the area you show, it could also be a rear main seal, as it appears it is in the area of the flywheel inspection cover. I agree with Max that dye and a flourescent light are the best way to chase a leak with no definite source to keep from replacing parts needlessly.