Leak? (Oily Sustance)

I noticed that an oily substance has been splattered about way up front under
the bumper cover on the drivers side of my 96 SL2. It dripped a little bit from
the black plastic piece that is just behind the air deflector with the springs.
I'm thinking it may have been from the AC. Is there any way (short of having it
tested) to tell if it is low? Also, If it has leaked, is there any harm in
leaving it until spring to be fixed?

Andy

 

It might be from the A/C, but it could be anything else that drips on the
serpentine belt and gets flung off where it turns around the pulley. Power
steering fluid is an example. Check your hood above the topmost pulley and
see if there's splatter there too.

If it is the A/C, you can leave it alone, but don't turn on the A/C except
as an experiment in your driveway. If it's low on its mix of oil and
refrigerant (refrigerant evaporates, oil sticks around), the compressor
could sieze and tear up the serpentine belt. As there's an electric clutch
that freewheels the A/C when not in use, you're good without.

 

Actually, it is on the drivers's side, away from the belt. I already did what
you suggested today. I ran the AC in my garage. Nothing else leaked out, the AC
ran well, it blew good cold air and the line was real cold all the way up to
and including the end of the compressor. So, I am now very confused. The only
thing I can think of is if it was the AC, there would have been more then there
was or more would have come out when I turned it on. If there was nothing (or
very little) left in the AC, how quickly could it seize up? I only ran it for 5
or 10 minutes.

Andy