Thanks for the feedback I received on this.
I removed the engine and flywheel and found that the seal is indeed
split, for photos go to:
http://www.solisearch.net/ims/album.php?u_id=271241B2Q0

Last time this happened the seal was sticking out and rubbing on the
flywheel according to the mechanic that replaced it (3k miles ago).
However, this time it is not sticking out beyond the edge of the casing.
 Bob Donalds and Al informed me that there are at least 2 and possibly
three different seals under the same part number.  I checked with 2
FLAPS in my area and sure enough one was selling a seal that was 12mm
deep and the other 10mm deep (according to the specs - I have not
actualy measured them).  Bob says that the thicker seals can rub on the
flywheel.  My failed seal is 12mm deep but it does not stick beyond the
casing edge (it is recessed by about 1 mm in most places) so I wonder if
this could be the problem.  I have not checked end play yet but will try
to this week - could this realy be the problem though since the seal
does not stick out and the lips look fine? Does anyone have any further
ideas, does this look like the result of a faulty istall?? I guess I
will just have to put in a 10mm seal and hope for the best.  I dont like
the thought of being deep in the backcountry and having this happen
again!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>> David Shepherdson 10/14/05 9:43 AM >>>
As if I did not have enough problems with my 87 syncro, I was on the
way to the airport yesterday when the crankshaft seal failed and
dumped most of the oil on the road (I missed the flight!).  I
couldnt believe it because the same thing happened about 3 months
(and 3000miles) ago on my way up to Northern Canada.  That time I
was able to get it towed to Kamloops and have it repaired while I
continued my trip at considerable expense in a rental.  The guy that
repaired it said that the seal had been sticking out too far and had
finaly torn (I have the seal and a chunk is missing)probably from
rubbing on the flywheel.  He thought that it probably had not been
installed properly (it had been dripping ever since I purchased it 4
months previously)in the first place (the engine is a rebuild with
about 25k miles).  However, now that it has happened again so soon I
am left wondering what could possibly cause this.   I have talked to
others that have said that in other cars this can be symptom of a
warped engine casing.  I cant afford to have my mechanic fix it this
time so I need to know what to look for.  Can anyone give me any
ideas about what could be wrong and how I can fix it?
Thanks for this help and other help that I have received from this
list.
David