My cooling system has been starting to give me fits and I'm wondering if there is something more going on than meets the eye.

History:
Back in November 2005 I found the resevior cap "blown" - not sure why it popped - but I chalked it up to old age.

Last Thursday I found coolant leaking. Dealer replaced upper radiator hose.

Last Friday morning - found coolant again - lots of it. Took it to an independent that I trust more than the dealer. He claimed it was the radiator and it was replaced (I have a maintenance contract so it wasn't too bad).

I got the car back from the independent on Tuesday night - found a small amount of fluid on the ground before I started it and drove it off the lot. Chalked it up to "leftover."

Came out this morning and found a dribble amount - figured I'd park in a clean spot at work to double check it. Came out at lunch and the coolant RED light on the dash was on solid. Checked the coolant and opened the cap - huge amount of air was released and coolant flowed into the resevoir. RED light only blinked when sloshing occurred from braking or turning. Took it over to independent mechanic and he tightened one clamp (lower right when looking at front of car). It turned several turns. He also refilled the resevoir. Drove back to work and parked in another clean spot.

Came out in the afternoon leaving work and a HUGE puddle was under the LEFT side when looking at the front of the car. Drove it over to the Independent and they could not find any leak. Was this a result of an overfill by the Independent?

Also, if the system will need to purge air how does it do it? And will it purge coolant if there is too much?

If I had the manuals I'd probably have the answers to these questions. Any insight or suggestions are very welcome. Thanks for taking time to read my post.

Bill