2002 Taurus 3.0 rear engine oil leak 36K

[heavy2500]

have a engine oil leak at the rear of engine. Small pool 6" diameter over night. We baby this car oil/fillter changes 25K or less. Machinist by trade worked and overhauled engines and have a brother n law as a mech neck for 27 years. Whant to know if the 3.0 had any block casting problems? Dealer drained oil, put dye in and checked two days later. Small oil drips coming from rear engine. When I found the leak on the floor, I jacked the car up and found oil driping out of starter. Rear main was the first thing I thought...2002, 36K?. Dealer said that they would do 50/50 cost split up to 1K out of pocket for me." If the engine would need to be replaced it would only be 1K out of pocket, rebuilt engine 25K/2year" Engine? I was looking at rear main,cam plug seal.... Getting to old for pulling this crap a part! Do you know of any case of enigne problems of this nature. Thanks Tony OMAHA.