Help diagnosing leak (transmission lines or compressor?)

[Mfpaul73]

I am working on my 2006 LJ auto. Not a daily driver. Lives at the beach.

So the girl just got brand new wheels and skins, and she rewards me with an apparent leak! On the way home from the tire store I noticed a slight smell and she was smoking under the hood lightly when I parked in the driveway.

I crawled under and noticed a lot of oily spray back on the drivers side oil pan, trans lines, control arms, and drive shaft. Definitely something coming front to the back.

My trans cooler lines have been looking iffy for some time, there seemed to be a lot of residue along the lines, especially near the factory plastic retention clip. I figured it was time - so I ordered new SS lines from Lines To Go. This morning I successfully disconnected the lines (06 has the quick connects x4) and was prepping to remove. I realized getting them out and the new in might be a problem due to the bends and routing. While studying them I noticed oil drips higher up on what I think is the AC compressor. I recently had a refrigerant leak diagnosed but have been nursing it after a recharge. It had been staying cold so figured it was a slow leak.

Now I am thinking it might not be the trans lines. But is there that much oil in the compresssor? I have attached photos. If you zoom in you can see a drip of golden colored oil forming at the bottom of the housing. Is this what is leaking all over??

If it’s not the trans lines, I at least know it’s safe to drive.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[AndyG]

Typically start with your valve cover and work your way down and don’t rule out your power steering over on that side of the engine

 

[Mfpaul73]

Typically start with your valve cover and work your way down and don’t rule out your power steering over on that side of the engine

Not seeing any oil leaks. No detectable loss of ATF, PS or Brk fluids at the dip sticks, and all have fresh color on the fingertip. Whatever leaked is definitely not red. Can’t see anything wet above that compressor. Swiped the fluid again with my finger and checked with black light. Glows more prominent yellow under cheap black light. Must be the AC dye leaking out of the compressor. Just didn’t think there was that much fluid to leak out.

 

[Mfpaul73]

Not seeing any oil leaks. No detectable loss of ATF, PS or Brk fluids at the dip sticks, and all have fresh color on the fingertip. Whatever leaked is definitely not red. Can’t see anything wet above that compressor. Swiped the fluid again with my finger and checked with black light. Glows more prominent yellow under cheap black light. Must be the AC dye leaking out of the compressor. Just didn’t think there was that much fluid to leak out.

 

[AndyG]

I agree its not tranny fluid it seems by the pic- smell might tell ya some too

 

[Mfpaul73]

I agree its not tranny fluid it seems by the pic- smell might tell ya some too

Well, turns out it was both. Failing compressor but also a leak in the trans cooler line. I unhooked and cleaned up the lines, removing some surface corrosion/scaling. When I put them back together and ran the Jeep at idle, it was an arterial bleed! The leak developed where the factory plastic retention clip holds both lines to the engine/pan.

I’ll do a temp hose and clamp solution to replace the line. I am not equipped to do the exhaust removal to put the new ss lines in. I’ll hunt for a shop to do it eventually.

 

[Mfpaul73]

Well, turns out it was both. Failing compressor but also a leak in the trans cooler line. I unhooked and cleaned up the lines, removing some surface corrosion/scaling. When I put them back together and ran the Jeep at idle, it was an arterial bleed! The leak developed where the factory plastic retention clip holds both lines to the engine/pan.

I’ll do a temp hose and clamp solution to replace the line. I am not equipped to do the exhaust removal to put the new ss lines in. I’ll hunt for a shop to do it eventually.

Temporary tourniquet applied