Red-brown oil is dripping from what I assume is the gear case. It apparently has been leaking for some time as evidenced by film of dirt mixed with oil beneath on floor. I understand oil capacity may be 13-15 ounces and that a slow leak can be tolerated. Should we just catch the dripping oil and monitor the rate of the leak? Might it take years to reach harmful level? Does transmission have to be replaced, or can oil be added (easily?)? Repair or replace?

Thank you, richappy, for the advice and information. The leak is not from on top but rather at the bottom from between the first and second of what appear to be three seals or bushings (large, white rings) on the shaft from the motor to the gear case. The oil there is mixed with white sawdust-like material that is coming from one of these rings. The white grindings and oil dripping and congealed oil were a total of less than 1/8 teaspoon. No new oil appeared overnight. We ran a load of clothes and got no further oil or white crumbles. Is some leakage common on this model or should there be no drips or leaks whatsoever? I wonder if it might leak only if there is severe vibration from an unbalanced load. I don't want to pull the transmission only to discover that it would have run for several more years as is. I've just cleaned it thoroughly to watch for developments as we use it. Am I right in the conclusion that it could leak slowly and intermittently for a long time without damage?