Correct, I think you're right that it could be coming from somewhere
near the thermostat housing, taking it to the dealer this Fri.
>
> You mean right side looking from the back of the car forwards? That's
> where all the hoses are so it may be just a leaking hose. If it's the
> other side that's where the water pump is and a leak there is going to cost
> more $$.
>
> Also check for the leak at the ends of the cross-pipe which goes from the
> thermostat housing across the back of the engine to the water pump housing
> - kinda unusual but not impossible.
>
there's a ground from the engine block heading right into the -ve
terminal on the battery and it's come disconnected, unless I'm wrong,
and that it's supposed to be for the secondary intake valve thingy
next to the battery....

>
> There must be *some* ground contact or nothing electrical would work...
> including the ignition. You need a new battery - leaking and corrosion
> like that is not normal - and a new connector... or cable depending on how
> bad the corrosion is.
>
> Rgds, George Macdonald
>
> "Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

THANKS EVERYONE for all your help.

Kev