It's the XLS 4 cyl engine with 105,000 miles on it.

Dripping at various rates from near the bottom of the engine. There seems to be a hole where it's coming from, almost like it's missing a bolt, though I don't think that's really the case. I can stick my finger in it and it'll be smeared with the oil that's dripping.

 

I can't find any images of the 2.3 duratec engine that show this area. Anyone know a good website for schematics of the engine?

 

If it is motor oil it should be brown or black. If it is trans fluid it should be with some orange /red color. It appears to be coming from where the trans mounts to the engine.
If it has been leaking for a while checking the oil and/or trans fluid level may reveal a lower level.

 

It's fresh oil. Honey colored with darker streaks in it.

 

One way to determine origin of oil leak,
Clean upper part of engine with some brake parts cleaner, dries quickly cleans well.
Run the engine for a short trip , mile or two.
Check the area you just cleaned and make sure no oil is leaking from the top and running down. If no external source is found it may require some dismantling to pin down area of leak.

 

I could tell the oil was coming from that space in the lower part of the engine. I had wiped everything dry sat there watching the drips start from that area. I've been looking for a diagram of the area to get a better idea of what's going on.

 

what part is that

 

Since the post was dated 2017, good possibility vehicle is gone.

 

ya knew that but i had a leak and trying everything find the name of that part and i did get a reply back here and your rude comment instead of helping dic_! anyway it called differential cover so can tell my mechanic

 

You are off to a good start. Let's hope your mechanic doesn't have the same attitude you have.