Question. Where is my massive oil leak from?

[justjoe]

Hi all,

New here. Have a 2001 olds silhouette 3.4. Yesterday driving home and without warning or sound smoke starts billowing from my hood at a stoplight! I pop the hood ,engine oil EVRYWHERE. I pull off the highway shut down, check the oil ,almost none on the dipstick. I call for a tow,bring her home ,put in 4qts fire her up and oil is cascading from behind the starter, and I mean big time leakage!

My first thought is rear main seal but two mechanics I spoke with were hesitant ,saying it would not pour out but rather leak out . This is under pressure!

The Question is :is there anything behind the starter that could have come loose?(galley plugs, sensor cap off, etc)

I am going to pull the starter to see what I can see,but any enlightenment you can offer will be much appreciated!

hope I have given enough info to be clear

Thanks
Joe V

[Guest]

There is sometimes an oil pressure sender above the starter. the only thing behind the starter though is the oil pan.

[justjoe]

Thanks Raven!!!!!

[justjoe]

UPDATE!!!!!!

I removed my starter and lo and behold there is a sender behind it, obscured by the starter. I figured it is cheap enough ($11) put in a new one and voila no leak!!!! I am a happy camper!

thanks for the help