1985 GTI Oil Filter Housing Leak

Hi Folks,

After a couple weeks of cold weather and rain I went out and started my rust bucket. I immediatly noticed oil heavily pumping out of the top of the oil filter housing. My question is: What's the problem and how do I fix it? I was about to walk up to the auto parts store to buy a new filter and just try that, but I don't mind replacing the whole housing if need be. And I don't feel like walking to the store twice. I included a photo and pointed out the crack where the oil is coming from. Thanks in advance.

http://www.jamiecarney.com/oil_filter_housing.jpg

I would wash the area, spray engine degreaser and spray wash the housing and make sure the leak is from there.. then if its a crack i would replace the housing.
from the picture, u seem to have an on going leak somewhere there..
good luck,..

you most likely have a leaky oil pressure switch. But also those seals leak too. I just blew my oil cooler seals on my vr6 with 160k miles and -14deg temps.
If the seals leaky you need to remove the oil filter then use a special tool to unthread the shaft and replace the seals.