Hi: 4 a.m. in the morning and I'm finally out of the garage and back at the computer. Having to clean up massive amounts of oil is the least of my worries, as long as the car OK. You guys were of course right - it was nothing but that blasted Fram seal stuck there from the old filter. The funny thing was I had read about this common issue and even looked for it, but due to weak flashlight batteries and loads of black crud, the seal just blended right in and I didn't see it.
Linuxiac, your post was highly appreciated. I really needed some support just after this thing happened, and you provided it at the right moment. And of course, thanks to everyone else for all of your expert responses. Jim, I just read about the problematic issues with Fram oil filters the other day, so that was ironically one of the main reasons I did the oil tonight (at only 2,000 miles since the last change)....to put on a different filter. I tried to find Mobil-1 but couldn't get them locally, so I settled for a Bosch. Believe me, I won't use Fram again. MIchael, the noise worries me too. I already feel that the engine sounds a bit "different" idling in the driveway tonight, but as you say, only time will tell for certain so I'll have to keep my fingers crossed for now. Thanks to your post, I will know some things to check in case of future problems. Greg, the noise did not happen again once sufficient oil was added, but the sound was REAL BAD while it was actually occurring. Sort of like a demolition crew was at work under the valve cover.
I hope this is OK, but I also added about 16 ounces of Lucas synthtetic oil stabilizer. I've never tried this before, but am doing so on the advice of a friend. Also, I did a bit of light sanding on the rotors (swirling motion as per Mr. Haynes) with 2000 grit paper, along with a spray of brake cleaner on the rotors and calipers. Never done that before either. As long as these two things did not do any harm, and also assuming the engine is still running smoothly afer a couple of weeks, then I'll finally be able to put this issue to bed. And speaking of bed, I think that's where I'll head right now....4:30 a.m. is way out of line for a decent bedtime. Thanks again for all of the great responses, and I'll post with the final verdict on the engine once I know more. - Paul