About this episode
The Tapper Brothers dive into humorous discussions about car repairs and the quirks of automotive service. They tackle listener questions about a leaky crank seal and an odd maple syrup smell from a defrost system, providing practical advice with their signature wit. The episode also features a light-hearted debate on the pricing of car parts versus labor, and the brothers share their unique investment fund concept. With plenty of laughs and relatable anecdotes, this episode is packed with automotive wisdom and entertainment.
Eric has a modest proposal: Shouldn’t the cost of the $4 part that his mechanic is replacing on his car also bear some resemblance to the cost of the labor to do the job? Afraid not, piston puss! How would mechanics ever pay for their boats if that were the case? Click and Clack expound upon various schemes- uh, theories!.. on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.
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Porsche Cayman
"...hat's 888-227. I had visioned myself in the Grand Cayman Islands someplace. I could see it now and all tho..."
The Porsche Cayman is a sporty car that is fun to drive and looks really cool. It's designed to be fast and handle well on the road, making it popular with people who love cars.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car known for its exceptional handling and performance. Introduced in 2006, it has become a significant model in Porsche's lineup, often praised for its balance and driving dynamics, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Dodge Intrepid
"...she has a 95 Dodge Intrepid with a hundred six thousand miles on it. Wow. Does some driving..."
The Dodge Intrepid is a large car that was made in the 1990s. It was known for being roomy and having a unique look, which many people liked.
The Dodge Intrepid was a full-size sedan produced by Dodge from 1993 to 2004. It was known for its spacious interior and distinctive styling, making it a popular choice in its segment during the 1990s.
bill
"...they came up with a bill of about nine hundred fifty nine dollars. Perfect..."
A 'bill' in this context means the amount of money that the dealership says you owe for fixing or checking your car. It's like a receipt for the work they did.
In automotive terms, a 'bill' usually refers to the total cost of repairs or services provided by a dealership or mechanic. It's important for car owners to understand these costs when considering maintenance or repairs.
front crank seal
"...the bill is that they said the front crank seal was leaking. Now, the part cost $4.10 and the labor costs $358..."
The front crank seal is a part of the engine that keeps oil inside. If it leaks, oil can escape, which is not good for the engine.
The front crank seal is a component that prevents oil from leaking out of the engine at the front where the crankshaft exits. If this seal is leaking, it can lead to oil loss and potential engine damage if not addressed.
labor costs
"...the part cost $4.10 and the labor costs $358. That's about right. Isn't that something?"
Labor costs are the fees you pay for the work done by mechanics when they fix or service your car. This can include how much time they spend working on it.
Labor costs refer to the charges incurred for the work performed by technicians or mechanics to repair or service a vehicle. These costs can vary significantly based on the complexity of the job and the hourly rate of the shop.
oil consumption
"...there hasn't been excessive oil consumption in your estimation. I actually don't drive the car..."
Oil consumption is how much oil your car uses while driving. If a car uses too much oil, it might have a problem that needs fixing.
Oil consumption refers to the amount of oil that an engine uses over time. Excessive oil consumption can indicate issues such as leaks or internal engine problems, which may require attention.
power steering pump
"The power steering pump is 200 bucks for the part, 200 bucks for the labor, and that seems fair."
The power steering pump helps you steer your car more easily. It uses fluid pressure to make turning the wheel less hard, especially when you're going slow.
The power steering pump is a crucial component in a vehicle's steering system, providing the necessary hydraulic pressure to assist in steering. It helps make turning the steering wheel easier, especially at low speeds.
Audi 4000
"I have a 1984 Audi 4000 S. And the oddest thing, when I turn on the defrost, it doesn't always happen."
The Audi 4000 S is a car made by Audi in the 1980s. It's known for being well-designed and fun to drive, making it a popular choice at the time.
The Audi 4000 S is a compact executive car produced by Audi in the 1980s, known for its distinctive design and engineering. It was part of the Audi 80/4000 series, which was popular for its performance and handling.
heater core
"What's leaking is the heat exchanger or the heater core. And that thing is a little radiator that's under your dashboard really under the dashboard."
The heater core is like a small radiator inside your car that helps keep the inside warm. It uses hot liquid from the engine to heat the air that comes into the car.
The heater core is a small radiator-like component located inside the vehicle's dashboard. It is responsible for heating the cabin by circulating hot coolant from the engine through its fins, allowing warm air to be blown into the passenger area.
Ford Taurus
"It's like a Ford Taurus. Ford Taurus is like this."
The Ford Taurus is a car made by Ford that was popular for many years. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside, which is great for families.
The Ford Taurus is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford from 1985 to 2019. It was known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, making it a popular choice for families.
Mercury Sable
"We have a customer that came into the day with a relatively new sable."
The Mercury Sable is a car that was made by Ford's Mercury brand and is similar to the Ford Taurus. It was known for being comfortable and having a lot of room inside.
The Mercury Sable was a mid-size car produced by Ford's Mercury brand from 1985 until 2005. It shared a platform with the Ford Taurus and was known for its similar design and features.
heater control valve
"Well, yeah. I mean, that will solve the problem because you do have a heater control valve on this car under the dash. That will shut the flow of coolant from the engine to the heater core."
The heater control valve helps control how hot the air inside your car gets. It allows coolant from the engine to flow into the part that heats the air, making it warmer for you in the winter.
The heater control valve is a component in a vehicle's heating system that regulates the flow of coolant from the engine to the heater core. By controlling this flow, it helps manage the temperature of the air that is blown into the cabin of the car.
Toyota V6
"Anyway, though, so I'm driving my, it's a 1990 Toyota V6 4-wheel drive extra cap pickup."
This is a pickup truck made by Toyota in 1990 that has a V6 engine, which means it has six cylinders for better performance.
The 1990 Toyota V6 pickup is known for its reliability and off-road capability, featuring a V6 engine that provides a good balance of power and efficiency for a truck of its size.
extra cab
"Anyway, though, so I'm driving my, it's a 1990 Toyota V6 4-wheel drive extra cap pickup."
This is a type of pickup truck that has extra space behind the front seats for more people or storage.
An extra cab refers to a pickup truck configuration that includes additional seating space behind the front seats, allowing for more passengers or cargo.
4-wheel drive
"Anyway, though, so I'm driving my, it's a 1990 Toyota V6 4-wheel drive extra cap pickup."
This means that all four wheels of the truck can move at the same time, which helps it drive better on rough roads or in bad weather.
4-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously, improving traction on rough or slippery surfaces.
Volkswagen
"...I smell that memory smell from driving old Volkswagen's and MG's gasoline."
Volkswagen is a car company from Germany that makes popular cars like the Beetle and Golf. They are known for their unique designs and reliable vehicles.
Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and Golf. The brand has a rich history and is recognized for its engineering and design.
MG
"...I smell that memory smell from driving old Volkswagen's and MG's gasoline."
MG is a British car brand famous for making sporty cars, especially in the past. They are loved by many car fans for their classic designs.
MG is a British automotive brand known for its sports cars and roadsters, particularly popular in the mid-20th century. The brand has a nostalgic appeal among car enthusiasts.
transmission
"So I look up, and there I can see the side of my transmission has gas running down it."
The transmission is what helps your car move by sending power from the engine to the wheels. If it's not working right, your car might not drive properly.
The transmission is a crucial component of a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It can be either manual or automatic, and its proper functioning is vital for vehicle operation.
heat shield
"And then they have it dripping onto the heat shield of the exhaust, man."
A heat shield is a part of the car that keeps other parts safe from getting too hot because of the exhaust. It helps prevent damage from heat.
A heat shield is a component in a vehicle designed to protect other parts from the heat generated by the exhaust system. It helps prevent overheating and potential damage to nearby components.
fuel filter
"It's leaking from the fuel filter, probably."
The fuel filter cleans the fuel that goes into the engine. If it's leaking, it can cause problems with how the car runs.
A fuel filter is a component in a vehicle's fuel system that removes contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the engine. This helps ensure optimal engine performance and longevity by preventing dirt and debris from causing damage.
Ford Ranger
"All right. I get down to the Ranger Station about 10 miles away. I stop."
The Ford Ranger is a small truck that can carry stuff in the back and is great for both work and play. It's known for being tough and reliable, making it a good choice if you need a vehicle that can handle different tasks.
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that has been a staple in Ford's lineup since its introduction in the 1980s. Known for its versatility and capability, the Ranger is popular for both work and recreational use, especially among those who need a reliable vehicle for hauling and towing.
MGB
"...it's a perfect place to drive a 1980 MGB."
The MGB is a small sports car made by a British company called MG. It was popular in the 1960s and 70s and is loved for its fun driving experience.
The MGB is a classic British sports car produced by MG from 1962 to 1980. Known for its stylish design and enjoyable driving experience, it remains popular among classic car enthusiasts.
radiator hose
"...we noticed that the radiator hose was leaking, and we also knew that the thermoregulator for the fan..."
The radiator hose carries coolant to keep the engine from getting too hot. If it leaks, the engine can overheat, which is bad for the car.
The radiator hose is a critical component in a vehicle's cooling system, responsible for transporting coolant between the engine and the radiator. A leaking radiator hose can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly.
thermoregulator
"...we also knew that the thermoregulator for the fan..."
The thermoregulator helps keep the engine at the right temperature by controlling how much coolant flows through it. If it fails, the engine can get too hot or too cold.
A thermoregulator, often referred to as a thermostat, is a component that regulates the temperature of the engine by controlling the flow of coolant. It ensures the engine operates within an optimal temperature range, preventing overheating or underheating.
Block Island MG
"Oh, you didn't take it to Block Island MG? We specialize in all cars, foreign and domestic cars."
Block Island MG is a car repair shop on Block Island. They work on different kinds of cars, especially MG models, which are known for their sporty design.
Block Island MG is a mechanic shop located on Block Island that specializes in servicing various types of vehicles, particularly MG cars, which are classic British sports cars.
fan belt
"...and we replaced the fan belt. We also replaced the water pump..."
The fan belt is a rubber belt in the engine that helps turn the fan that cools the engine. If it's broken, the engine can overheat.
The fan belt, also known as the serpentine belt, is a crucial component that drives the engine's cooling fan, among other accessories. It helps maintain the engine's temperature by ensuring proper airflow through the radiator.
water pump
"...We also replaced the water pump. We flushed the radiator and put new antifreeze in..."
The water pump is a part that helps move coolant around the engine to keep it from getting too hot. If it fails, the engine can overheat.
The water pump is a vital part of the cooling system that circulates coolant through the engine and radiator. It helps keep the engine at the right temperature by moving coolant to absorb heat.
thermostat
"...But you didn't put a new thermostat in. The thermostat, we think, is fine..."
The thermostat is a small part that helps control the temperature of the engine by opening and closing to let coolant flow. If it doesn't work, the engine can get too hot or too cold.
The thermostat is a temperature-sensitive valve that regulates the flow of coolant to maintain the engine's optimal operating temperature. It opens and closes based on the coolant temperature.
overheating
"that the second fan doesn't work is the reason that we're overheating. Would they have two fans if you didn't need them?"
Overheating happens when a car's engine gets too hot, which can cause problems. It's important for engines to stay within a certain temperature range to work properly.
Overheating refers to a condition where an engine's temperature exceeds its normal operating range, which can lead to serious damage if not addressed. It can be caused by various factors, including cooling system failures.
electric fan
"This is an electric fan. Yeah. Two electric fans."
An electric fan helps keep the engine cool by blowing air over it. It's different from regular fans that are powered by the engine itself; these fans run on electricity instead.
An electric fan is a component used in vehicles to help cool the engine and other systems by moving air through the radiator and engine bay. Unlike traditional fans that are driven by the engine via a belt, electric fans operate independently, which can improve efficiency and reduce engine load.
alternator belt
"But what she referred to as the fan belt was, in fact, the alternator belt. Yeah."
The alternator belt helps the car's alternator create electricity. If this belt is broken, the car's battery won't charge, and electrical parts might not work.
The alternator belt is a component that connects the alternator to the engine, allowing the alternator to generate electricity for the vehicle's electrical systems. It is crucial for charging the battery and powering electrical accessories.
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