Help with coolant leak location - possibly oil cooler housing

[Chewbot]

Hi everybody,

I have lost all my coolant and have just been using demineralised water for attempting to work out where the leak is. Even though that makes it harder to see!

I am almost certain that I have worked out the highest point with water on it and that all the other spots are just from it splashing down/across etc.

I am less certain about what that part of the car is called. After much googling and looking at youtube etc, I think it's coming from where the oil cooler housing attaches. But all the images I've found on the internet are with the parts unattached or from angles that involve some prior disassembly. So, I'm posting some photos and hopefully someone can confirm what it is.

Getting photos without taking out other parts was not easy. Apologies for some of the camera work.

I have had the same mechanic for many years but he can't fit me in until the 17th of Feb. Also, I am now half an hour away from his shop, so I am less inclined to drive over with a rapidly emptying cooling system just so he can do a quick diagnosis for me (and just maybe squeeze me in).

I've looked at some videos and whilst I think I could possibly manage it - probably with a whole heap of swearing - I'm also concerned that in the process, I could disturb some hoses, seals, or other bits that were nearing the end of their life and couldn't handle the disruption. Plus, I don't have a great spot to do the work.

So, I am open to recommendations for mechanics preferably around the inner southern suburbs of Brisbane.

It's also kind of bad timing as we were seriously considering trading it in before Easter. So, probably won't want to do anymore than needed - despite what I think will be a decent amount of labour and therefore a good chance to replace other bits and pieces.

Ultimately, what I am really hoping is that someone will point out a tiny hose that is probably just leaking onto the area where I am seeing the water and that I can easily replace myself . But I really don't think so.

Perhaps there is an additive that I can put in that will buy me some time. Or just good old fashioned witchcraft!

Other relevant info:
- it's a 2014 Passat B7 wagon (TDI HIGHLINE 3C MY15).
- the oil looks fine. Not milky etc
- i don't see any signs of anything other than coolant and water in the coolant reservoir or anywhere there has been a leak. Nothing pointing to oil and coolant/water mixing that I am aware of.

Sorry for the ramble.

Any advice appreciated.