I have suddenly developed a significant oil leak from what appears to be the 'compressor to evaporator, front' AC line. The line is aluminum, and includes an aluminum bulb about 2" in diameter and perhaps 4" long. The leak is coming from the bottom of this bulb. I am surprised to see significant oil coming from this line - I would have thought that any leak would be refrigerant, and that any oil in the system would be the lubricating oil for the compressor itself.
I will order this line today - but while I can see where the front end of the line attaches to the compressor, I cannot find a vantage point to access the rear of the line.
Am I getting in over my head with this repair? I assume I would have to take the vehicle to the shop to have the system recharged, and apparently, to have the compressor oil topped up. Any insight or recommendations much appreciated.

 

The fluid loss is not coming from the AC line - some road debris seems to have damaged what I take to be a line running from the transmission to the bottom of the radiator. The leak is spraying onto the bottom of the AC line referenced above. I believe the leak is trans fluid. I think I can repair the damaged line in the short term - and will now have to decide whether to just top up the trans, or drain and refill.

 

I've moved this thread from General Tech to the X308 section where you should get a faster response from members with the same vehicle.

Graham