I'll try to keep this simple and to the point.

Car overheated today but I didn't drive it for very long at all once I noticed it.

Looked under the hood. The short black hose from the radiator to the expansion tank was electrical taped to a cracked overflow tank lid. The tape had broken and the overflow tank side of the hose was left open to the air.

The overflow tank was completely full while I don't see any fluid in the radiator itself.

Also, on the cracked overflow tank lid, there is a cylindrical piece that pivots in the middle of the lid. Is this supposed to have a hose attached that goes in the inside of the overflow tank or is the cylindrical piece just suppose to hang down in the tank?

Either way, for a very brief and temporary fix, can I dump the overflow tank fluid back into the radiator and then re-tape the hose until I can get a new hose/overflow tank lid? I know it sounds horrible but desperate measures.

Also is it likely the main problem is the broken lid/hose? I tried to look up how the overflow tank works but had no luck.

Thanks for any answers.

 

This is a 2006 Acura TL btw.

 

yes there is a hose that should go down onto overflow tank.

broken lid but there may be a leak else.. do you see leaking coolant/dried anywhere? Should be blue.

 

Overheating.. no bueno
Cracked lid is common.. Fill Radiator with Type 2 Honda Coolant.. Prestone if you're in a pinch.
Fill to the top, burp it (loosely close rad cap, 1 click, turn car on for a bit so coolant can cycle), turn car off, remove rad cap, fill to the top again.
Report back on how much coolant it took to fill..
Do you see a lot of coolant stains near the res? Smelling sweet smell of coolant when around car for past months?