Oil Line question

[mjmacqua]

This may sound like a silly question, but here goes.

I have a leaking connection from the return line of the oil cooler back to the engine. (steel braided lines, 10AN connector). I want to remove the line , remove the fitting that is leaking a replace it (it is a swivel 90 degree, leaking from what looks like the swivel). confirmed fitting was tight, and took it off and cleaned it, added new telfon still leaking.

Do I have to drain the oil in order to pull that line? I believe I might because the oile cooler is at or just below the oil pan level. Can someone confirm my thought?

Thanks for your help.
Mike