In a message dated 1/24/05 10:03:03 PM, emaglott@BUNCOMBE.MAIN.NC.US writes:

<< 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 . . .  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? >>

The pushrod tubes don't see oil under pressure so they can weep forever
without being much more than a nuisance.

It is well known that the oil cooler o-ring can fail catastrophically during
cold weather.  The o-ring might take a thermal set a la the fuel tank seals of
the fatal Columbia space shuttle or it might just succumb to old age.
Whatever the cause of the failure, I am sure more than one List respondent can tell
you about dumping LOTS of oil QUICKLY during a cold spell.  It would be
prudent to change the oil cooler o-ring seal and it would be best to make certain it
has the new and improved part number.

George