LS 170 hydraulic leak from starter

[hwrights]

I have a pretty substantial leak coming from my starter. Is this a wet starter? Is there supposed to be hydraulic oil in the bell housing? I replaced the starter about 5 years ago. Is this a sign of a bad starter?

 

[foton]

no you got a leak but it is not from the starter

 

[Shanmar]

Coming out of starter? If black, rear main seal of engine. If lighter, input shaft seal of hydro pump. Mine was hydro.

 

[hwrights]

Coming out of starter? If black, rear main seal of engine. If lighter, input shaft seal of hydro pump. Mine was hydro.

I try not to use it much anymore because it uses so much hydraulic oil. I lifted up the seat to view the top backside of the starter, and it's bubbling between the starter and the housing. The leak seems to be from the bottom side of the starter and then running down the engine as you see in the picture

 

[Shanmar]

Yea. Has to be the input shaft seal on hydro. Had one do that too.