Pontiac Repair: 2001 Pontiac Montana Low Oil Pressure, intake manifold gasket, low oil pressure

Question
I have a 2001 Pontiac  Montona and while driving my kids to work it began to shut off anytime I came to a stop. It start back up no problem. Close to home my low oil pressure light came on. I went straight home and parked it.  I drove it to my mechanic and it did not cut off at all.  My mechanic is away and there was another guy feeling in for him.  He has had my car for a week and is giving me the run around.  He said it was my oil pump. which made sence. Then he says I need a new motor.  My engine light was not coming on, the car was not giving me any other problems at all. I only drove it to take it to the shop 5 min away. I just had an oil change, a tune up, new plugs, and my oil presseure switch replaced a month ago.  Today I went to pick up my van and he was charging the battery.  The battery was fine when i dropped off.  When he started my van it started shaking like the engine was going to fall out.  I explained to him that I drove that van down to the garage it was not doing that. I believe he did something to my van thinking I would not question him.  Please advise what I do next. It is undrivable now and i am having it towed to my pastor's mechanic.  He said that it probably got worse sitting there with the engine getting no oil.  That sounds like crap to me. Please advise.

Answer
Hi Donette:

If you have a low oil pressure light on and continue to drive it the engine will only self distruct over time. Oil pumps don't go bad that had to be some other issue that lead to it. A major engine repair recently where dirt and debris may have made it's way into the oil pan. A leaking intake manifold gasket leaking coolant into the crank case. A head gasket burning coolant in the engine will make it fail. Sluge due to not enough/frequet oil changes due to lots of short tip driving... short trips in cold enviroments are a HUGE contributor to sludge! And sludge kills engines plain and simple. Sounds like it's done and it needs an engine. I can't tell you what cuased it but I'm sure it's one or a combination of things I mentioned. good luck :-)