My 500 is leaking oil on the left side of the engine behind the where the shifter connects in, can anybody tell me the problem or how to fix it?

 

Most likely the shift shaft seal.

Do you have a compressor? If so, put some flour or talcum powder in your hand, hold your hand very close to where its leaking and then shoot a few blasts of air into the flour towards the leak.

If you can snap a digital photo and post it here I or someone can tell you for sure if thats what it is.

I know the flour trick sounds kind of strange, but its the best way to find the source of an oil leak.... :-)

 

ill try to get a pic soon