I am pretty familiar with this engine, and I've searched and searched, but can't seem to pinpoint this leak without tearing the AC compressor and everything around it out.

I have a leak somewhere on the passenger side above the AC compressor. Coolant actually drips off the compressor and on to steering linkage.

I can see the freeze plugs through the wheel well, they're dry.

It's just a little trickle, mostly after cold start and quickly shut off, driving me nuts for months now, but no visibility behind the compressor. Any ideas?

 

I just pulled the tire off so I could really get in there and look, all dry, all round front freeze plug, dry. I can see where the hydraulic timing tensioner bolts up, dry. Wtf...

 

And it's not leaking from the obvious spot right above the AC compressor? As in the coolant drain plug for the RH side of the block.

 

Correct. The drain plug is behind motor mount, between the two freeze plugs, right?

 

Actually the drain plug I see, if it is indeed a drain plug, is very close to the front freeze plug. Got a pic of the right side of a 3VZE?

 

That's the one. 14mm hex head brass plug.


EDIT: I found a good pic. It's a 5VZ-FE .But it's in the same location as a 3VZ-E.