Empty expansion tank when engne at running temp?

May be a silly question but just got back from the shops and thought I'd open the bonnet to check thing's over before I go away and the expansion bottle is empty but the engine is still hot from driving surely this cant be normal?

Could it be since its still hot and under pressure it hasn't returned to the expansion bottle yet?

The level in the expansion tank should remain about the same with engine running or not, you have water loss.

Bugger I was afraid of that. I'll check it over when it is cool in that case to see if I can spot it.

More likely its gone back into the heavens

Just found the leak.

I think its the inlet heater hose. Is there any special tape I could repair it with or is it a new pipe job to play it safe?

Yep definitely inlet heater hose. Now have it booked into Garage for Friday since even if I order the parts wont be till at least Friday I can get them.

Talk about bloody bad timing since had the car all loaded to head off in the morning for the Wilderness Gather.