I'm not sure what you meant about editing?

I certainly do have a skid plate on my '81 300td. It has a "hole" in it for access to the oil drain plug but otherwise covers most of the bottom of the engine.

I know that I should be taking the time to spray down the engine and look for the leak, I fully plan on doing it, but figured I might as well start with the most logical (and simple) things first.