thanks for the replies.
I removed the front cap and it is broken in two pieces - break is horizontal right above the two smaller screws that presumably were holding my oil pan at one time (oil pan came off months ago). the grove for the seal is busted up; I suspect it is useless.
the rear cap appears to be more consistent with the wear that baldybenny described. I will pull it out and see if it is worse that first impressions.
any thoughts on where I can source the front cap? can I order them new or do I need to find used parts? thanks
