I have a 2000 Discovery II around 170K I have replaced water pump, radiator, thermal-stat, front crank seal, power steering pump, etc.

Recently had a engine check light on, I run OBD2 scanner and found out problem should be related to the fuel cap is leak so I replaced fuel cap and everything works find until 2 weeks ago when engine is cold very hard to start.

I found oil leaking from around starter area, does starter also lube by engine oil? O-ring or gasket is bad?

Thanks a lot for your help!

 

No it does not lube by engine oil. If turning over, but no start, might check for spark (no spark will point toward CKP - crank shaft position sensor).

 

oil is leaking out from around where starter is located, and starter is close to the transmission but I can't get a clear look until I can put lift the car, what could be the problem causing oil leak? thanks

 

Leaking oil pan gasket.
Leaking valve cover gaskets.
Neither of those will cause a hard start when cold.

Define hard to start.