I'll definitely check the U-tube from the air cleaner. Probably Saturday will be the first chance I get to look at it in depth. As for the VC gasket. Yes, it is definitely leaking by the front drivers side corner of the engine and most of the drivers side of the gasket. I think the oil sprayed all around is from oil dripping from the leaking gasket, down the side of the block by the injectors, and then getting blown around from the wind in the engine bay at speed (coming from the bottom of the engine bay and possibly from the fan.) Doesn't take a lot of oil blowing around to put a coat of it on things....

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2012 Mercedes ML350 Bluetec 102K (hers)
2005 Corvette 55K (fun car)
2002 VW Jetta TDI 238K (mine)
1998 Volvo S70 T5 Turbo 211K (kids)
1994 Ford F150 4WD 246K (firewood hauler)
1983 Mercedes 300D 384K (diesel commuter)