tried everything I can think of, but she's still leaking bad

I currently bought a 1997 VW Jetta GL. 2.0 Ltr Type A engine. I purchased the car from a friend and it was running great. I was on my way home from across town and I started hearing this dinging sound and the oil light came on. I immediately stopped and checked the oil and it was almost dry. I put more oil in her and took off down the road. I got a few minutes down the road and it happened again. I got it hauled back home where I have changed the oil pan gasket, replaced the filter, and just today changed the oil pressure switch. But whenever I start the vehicle it's like someone is just pouring oil out. What else can i do ? I need to fix it asap.. I'd appreciate any help I can get.
thanks,
Mike - lexington, KY

Mike, I had almost the similar issue with my 2.0L 97. Have you tried changing the Oil completely? I found that running synthetic high mileage oil works well and changing my oil filter was my major problem, mine had become corroded (spelling?) and after replacing it I found my oil light wasnt flashing NOR staying on constantly. Hope that helps.

_________________
my mkTHREE

when I noticed I had the leak initially I bought a new oil pan gasket, Replaced the oil filter, and I've changed the Oil pressure switch and it is still leaking. I mean it's leaking so bad it's like your just pouring oil on the ground. It only leaks when I start the vehicle. What difference does synthetic oil make? i ask because I don't know.. I appreciate all your assistance.

I am assuming the leak you see is from around the oil pan gasket. If this is the case, retrace your steps. First, make sure all traces of the old gasket are removed from both surfaces. Once that's done, inspect both mating surfaces for deep scratches or gouges- buff out any you find. Make sure the oil pan is true- if it got whacked, you may have a crack that no gasket is going to fix. Check the oil pan bolts and bolt holes. If the threads are in bad shape, the bolts can feel tight when in fact they are not. If this is the case, you can chase the internal threads with a tap, and use a die or thread file to clean up the bolts. Use a good coating of Never-seez, and the bolts should run right in with no trouble. Torque them up in a cross pattern, and you'll be good to go.

I found the problem. I had already checked the oil pan and the oil pan gasket. I was very thorough in doing so. I had checked for gouges and cracks, but found none. I also checked the oil pan drainage bolt. I checked the threads, reinserted the plug and found no leaks there. I thought then I was getting a leak from the oil filter housing. So I assumed it was the oil filter. lol so I replaced the oil filter making sure not to over tighten it. I started her up.. Oil everywhere. I then changed the oil pressure switch, not knowing that it's only purpose is to turn on the oil light when the oil pressure drops. Luckily it is only $5.99. After much looking I found that the oil was coming from the Top of the Oil cooling unit.

IF you look at the diagram I have included pay attention to #14, 16, & 17. Where 14 & 17 connect is where oil is pouring out. I'm guessing now that #16 is dry rotted or broken. Does that sound correct?

yes it could be the problem but its not that common. change it and see what happens.