OIL Leak Question?

[donSt]

My dodge caravan 1990 3.3 auto trans has developed a bad engine oil leak at back of oil pan trans area. If it was the back of oil pan the arch up area would it it leak a lot ? enough to have to add oil everyday or would that be the rear engine seal? Hate to pull all apart for nothing but a pan leak, but I am guessing if it was only the oil pan it wouldn't leak that much? Any ideas are welcome and thanks in advance for any help. Had a so so mechanic lean down look at oil puddle on ground and said rear seal $400 plus, thats a pretty quick estimate. And I have to do work myself as I can't afford that after he charged me $700 on repairs to my other car last month.

[RIP]

Wow. Second time I typed this today: Don't guess. It's costly. Clean the engine and trace it down. There are flourescent dies you can put in the oil to help.

[donSt]

Washed area really good at car wash, but still couldn't tell where it was leaking back of pan or seal. Put it on ramps at home, tightened oil pan bolts, they seemed tight,,, ran it and no leak( touch wood) . It was leaking badly about a 2" puddle in 5 mins, didn't think a pan leak would be that bad... So much for the mechanic saying it was the seal and would have charged me probably $600 ,,,,MORE THAN VAN IS WORTH. It pays to check the little things first,,, was going to pick up a seal and pan gasket on way home but decided to have a better look at it on ramps first,, sure glad I did...
Van sat for a while maybe dried up gasket a bit,, but that model seems to be bad for leaks also...

Don

[RIP]

Good news. Hope it holds.