I really doubt that could be it. If there was that much deflection possible at the rear of the engine, it wouldn't have kept oil in itself.

If there was a gap at the bellhousing seam, it wouldn't necessarily cause an oil leak. There's no loose oil in there.

Something really doesn't make sense to me, either. A starter is technically strong enough to crawl (slowly) a manual transmission vehicle. I still regard the starter/wiring/battery with suspicion...sorry.

Geez, maybe the flex plate isn't on straight, although I have no idea how that's even possible.

John B.