harrydunn Posted January 16, 2004 Report Share Posted January 16, 2004 Hey all, 1996 Cutlass, 3100 with 103,000 miles. I've started noticing some oil leaks on my garage floor and am trying to track it down. First thing I checked was the o-ring for the oil-pump drive assembly. That seems to be an overwhelming cause of leaks from what I've read on here. I was wanting some clarification on exactly what I should be seeing if indeed this is where the leak is occuring (SEE "BORROWED" PIC BELOW). I located the plug easily enough, but the top of the plug looked fine to me-just some common grit and grime. I guess I was expecting a more tell-tale sign. The back of the right head is oily as is a portion of the side of the head. The oil progresses down the engine and eventually works its way to dripping off the oil plug and bottom of the pan. My question is this: Do these oil leaks occur at the base of the oil-pump drive plug (which is covered by the clamp and obscured from my view) or at the top (AGAIN, REFER TO PHOTO)? I'm assuming at the base which would explain a clean plug top. I'd like to get this leak fixed and just wanted clarification before I started digging in. If this is the likely case, I'd appreciate a full set of instructions as well. ***I "borrowed GTP93's photo of the top-end of his 3.4L engine for a frame of reference. I hope that is okay. From what I've read, they are quite a pain compared to the 3100 for this fix. Thanks guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gp90se Posted January 16, 2004 Report Share Posted January 16, 2004 Sounds to me like your lower intake gasket it leaking, happens a lot on the 3100s. If im not mistaken, a 3100/3400 do not have oil pump drives. -Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrydunn Posted January 16, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2004 Well, that would make sense then. I was tossing that one around myself but figured it was the oil-pump drive from everything I've read. If the 3100's don't have the drive, I'd say you're right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heza Posted January 16, 2004 Report Share Posted January 16, 2004 Sounds to me like your lower intake gasket it leaking, happens a lot on the 3100s. If im not mistaken, a 3100/3400 do not have oil pump drives. -Jeff actually, the 3100 has an oil pump drive seal and it can leak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gp90se Posted January 16, 2004 Report Share Posted January 16, 2004 not in the same place as a 3.1, is it. dont happen 2 have a pic? -Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heza Posted January 16, 2004 Report Share Posted January 16, 2004 nope, no pics. but its in the same place as the 2.8, 3.1, 3100, and 3.4 DOHC. just the 3.1 and 3100 are pretty easy to get to as opposed to head removal on the 3.4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrydunn Posted January 16, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2004 The plug is there where a distributor would be, between the heads at the rear of the engine. Doesn't look like it would be too bad to get to if I removed the throttle body assembly. How difficult is the intake gasket fix if that is a possiblilty? I work with a former GM mechanic if I need to call in the big dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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