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

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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:

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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!

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[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