Check this out:
http://snipurl.com/c9q8

I started up the van the other day when it was about 15 degrees F
out.  started up after a couple tries, and I had to modulate the gas pedal
a little, which is unusual.  Everything seemed normal after that and I
drove on a short trip.  I noticed the oil spot when I came home.  This
happened once before in very cold weather.  I looked under the van for the
source of a leak.  Nothing was leaking when I checked, but obviously a
bunch of oil came out when I started it up.  I see no wet oil where the oil
filter screws on.  There is a little drip on the oil cooler, but that is
basically normal for this engine.  Also a little drip where the oil
pressure relief valve is screwed in, but that is also pretty common on my
engine.  The only unusual oily looking place was on the driver's side where
the pushrod tubes meet the case.

The spray pattern on the ground is so odd, I can't imagine how it
happened.  The van is probably in about the position it was when it
sprayed.  If anything, it was parked about 6-12" farther forward.  The
fluid is definitely motor oil, and it feathers out toward the front of the
van.  I remember on early golfs (rabbits) they would develop very high oil
pressure when cold, and even could explode the oil filter.  Maybe that is
what happened, and it found someplace to spray out?  Maybe the OP sensor
between the pushrod tubes?  Any other ideas?

Edward