There is a crack large enough to spit oil around the area, even to leave a small pool on the rim of the oil filter cap housing. it is on the top of the metal housing between the oil filter tower and the power steering reservoir, looks to be an inch or so long, close to the black pwr steer reservoir and almost parallel to it.

#1 can I clean it up and put a piece of DUCT TAPE!!! on it to get me home? (45 miles) added oil already.
#2 how far can I drive it like this if it does not get worse, after I replace it with metal tape when I get home...
#3 ok, so it needs to get fixed... is there an economical way for the novice mechanic or does it have to go to the dealer. Can this be welded or soldered? Or do I have to pay some german mechanic to fly me one in trans-oceanic in his briefcase?

#4, both the dipstick and pwr steering fluid level were on min levels when checked... is it possible there is a common crack? the leaking fluid is not clear like Pw steering fluid.
Thanks for your ideas

"Stranded" at the Tulalip Casino...oh well!
Chuck

 

The oil in there is under pressure to force it through the filter. I dont think duct tape will hold it once it decides to let go. More than likely you are looking at a weld job or full replacement. When the o-ring leaks on the top people have lost there drive belt so I 'm not sure what will happen to you. Hopefully you can attempt the trip home and see just which level is going down.Good luck!

 

Held below 2500 rpm, I nursed her home. Can't believe the
Duct tape held, cleaned the area with denatured ethanol first.
Now, to find a good wrench in Redmond, Wa, I have no confidence in the local dealership that claims to be using certified Xfire techs, but they don't even know how much oil to put back in on a simple oil change.

Think it's time to try the local german car guys, they should have more experience on this 3.2 liter V-6 than the Chrysler uh, mechanics.

102,000 miles now, perhaps our recent heat wave of 103 degrees was responsible for this crack.