Chris Wyatt2 wrote [in part]:
> There was a large puddle of motor oil on the snow...
> The leak originated in the vicinity of the oil filter...
> Perhaps a seal had contracted in the cold...

Chris,

A few weeks ago when it started getting below freezing overnight here in
Utah, my '86 Syncro started showing a few leaks, all of which came from
faulty tranny seals.  I replaced both seals where the CV joints attach,
as well as the front seal where the drive shaft attaches.

All's well now.  So, I don't know if you've got an engine oil leak from
your filter, or maybe you have a tranny seal leak, but for sure seals
that seem okay in warm weather can leak when things contract in the
cold.

Regards,
Scott McDonell
Ogden, Utah
'86 Syncro GL [Rancid]
'83.5 GL {sold}
'59 Split Window camper {high-school ride -- wish I still had it!}
'96 Jetta GLX {with kickass VR6! - sold recently}