A CRJ200 Captain reported fluctuating oil pressure after takeoff. He elected to keep the engine running and returned to his takeoff airport. He stated the problem potentially stemmed from improper maintenance.

Narrative

Shortly after takeoff we received a right engine low oil pressure master warning message. It quickly went away then came back. As I was the non-flying pilot I directed First Officer to continue flying and handle the radios while I ran the QRH. The engine indications showed low oil pressure master warning that was intermittent; (i.e. came and went periodically through the flight); nominal oil temperature and rapidly fluctuating oil pressure; (values ranged from 30-40psi). Based on this information; the direction from the QRH; and prevailing weather conditions I elected to continue running the engine at normal power settings and return to the field. On final approach; oil pressure dropped to an average of ~30psi with some dips to ~20psi. Shortly after landing; the right engine was secured to prevent further oil loss and possible damage. Contract maintenance informed me later that the engine had extensive oil leak and even after adding several quarts of oil as directed by our Maintenance personnel it still had a significant leak. I was told by maintenance that this engine had its carbon seals serviced recently so its quite possible that this was caused by improper maintenance procedures.