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 |
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