Coolant Leak Question

[ViperTony]

I just got done flushing the coolant out of my '01 RT/10 8K miles. Coolant change was due and the car had been running noticebly hotter lately. I had no problems following the detailed coolant change procedure Coolant Change Procedure. I did a complete flush of the system: engine block, surge tank, overflow bottle as well as unscrewed the thermostat bleeder screw during refill. When I did the initial flush and refilled the surge tank and overflow bottle, I noticed some distilled water dripping under the right front passenger side. It was coming out of this hose

and emptying out just near the passenger side fender well, under the car. I assumed it was because I was burping the system and probably overfilled the overflow bottle. Following the same procedures as before, I drained and refilled the surge tank and overflow bottle and got ready for another burping session. This time, HOWEVER, the engine temp ran up quickly but dropped as soon as I burped the system. I must've let air into the system by not capping the surge tank in time. The temp went down but coolant was running out of this hose like a tsunami. My overflow bottle was near empty. I have two questions: What's causing this? And, what level should I fill the overflow bottle? Other tidbits: I was running the heater and I have no visible leaks anywhere, besides this hose. Here's a pic of the bottle showing before/after levels:


Thanks,
- Tony

[luc]

The hose that you show leaking coolant, seems to be the drain for the A/c condenser.

Luc.00GTS

[carguy07]

Wholly crap! I just noticed the slot in the wheel well that lets you see the coolant level. I have been trying to figure out how you can see what you are doing through the rubber plug. Duh!

[ViperTony]

...DOH! You're right and that explains why the water is so cool coming out of it . I feel like an idiot. ***UPDATE*** After the engine cooled a little while ago, I loosened the surge tank cap and it was almost empty. I added another 1/2 gallon to fill it up and filled up the overflow bottle to mid-way. I burped the system, started the car and continue to burp. This time, no coolant loss anywhere. Levels stayed put the temperature was staying between 190 and 200. I also think the surge tank cap was loose first time around. I feel stupid. Time for another drink, no driving.

Thanks.
- Tony