Seal failure cause: Wife drove many short (very short) trips in below 0 weather. Condensation formed in crankcase and was not driven off, thereby plugging the flame trap. When I pulled the PCV/flametrap assembly to evaluate the leak, it was plugged with oil/water gel. I suspect that is what blew the seal. The dipstick was also blown out as well.

During the oil change today, I pulled the flame trap and sprayed carb cleaner through the PCV hoses, allowing it to run out the oil drain plug. No nasty stuff came out. Just to be on the safe side, I then poured a quart of Gunk engine flush into the PCV hose and allowed that to drain. Again, it drained quickly and clear. I suspect the system is not restricted.

Changed to synthetic oil and will go to very short OCI. I gave it an Italian tune-up on the Adirondack Northway following the oil change and the motor appears to be running well.

Also reminding the wife to DRIVE the car. 1.5 mile trip to work in zero degree weather will not cut it!

Thanks

Andy R.