About this episode
A lighthearted episode filled with quirky car advice and humorous anecdotes from the Tappet Brothers. Listeners call in with various car troubles, including a hot-start issue with a 1984 Saab and fuel efficiency concerns about a 1997 Suburban. The brothers provide their signature blend of practical advice and comedic banter, while also sharing amusing philosophical musings and a puzzler about words that are their own antonyms. The episode showcases the charm and wit of Click and Clack, making it an entertaining listen for car enthusiasts.
Lori’s man is acquiring old vehicles at an alarming rate. He loves working on them but, since he’s blind, he can’t drive them. Should Lori be putting the brakes on this hobby or practice kickstarting the Harley instead? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.
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Saab 900 Turbo
"...I have a 900 series turbo sob and it's a 1984 and when you drive it it you know it starts just fine and then you drive it in the engine gets really hot..."
The Saab 900 Turbo is a car made by the Swedish company Saab. It's known for having a turbocharged engine, which gives it more power and speed compared to regular engines.
The Saab 900 Turbo is a compact executive car produced by Saab from 1978 to 1998. The Turbo variant features a turbocharged engine that enhances performance and efficiency.
turbocharged engine
"...I have a 900 series turbo sob and it's a 1984 and when you drive it it you know it starts just fine and then you drive it in the engine gets really hot..."
A turbocharged engine is a type of engine that uses a special device called a turbocharger to make the engine more powerful by pushing in more air and fuel.
A turbocharged engine uses a turbine-driven forced induction system to increase the engine's efficiency and power output by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber.
overheating
"...the engine gets really hot and then you stop the car and then it won't start again while the engine is hot..."
Overheating happens when a car's engine gets too hot, which can cause problems and even damage the engine if it doesn't cool down properly.
Overheating occurs when an engine's temperature exceeds its normal operating range, which can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly.
coil spring
"...change the coil because the coil spring is getting all tired when it's hot or whatever as usual father's advice..."
A coil spring is a metal spring shaped like a coil that helps support the car's weight and smooth out bumps in the road. It's an important part of the car's suspension system.
A coil spring is a type of spring that is used in various automotive applications, primarily in the suspension system. It helps absorb shocks and maintain vehicle stability by supporting the weight of the car and allowing for controlled movement of the suspension components.
starter motor
"...what's happening is the starter is not engaging either you have a faulty starter motor or you have a bad battery or you have a bad alternator..."
The starter motor is a part of the car that helps start the engine. When you turn the key, it makes the engine begin to run. If it's not working, the engine won't start at all.
The starter motor is an electric motor that initiates the engine's operation by turning the flywheel, which starts the combustion process. If the starter motor is faulty, the engine will not crank or start.
alternator
"...you have a bad battery or you have a bad alternator in this in the alternate is not charging up..."
The alternator is a part that makes electricity while the engine is running. It keeps the battery charged and powers the car's electrical systems. If it stops working, the battery can run out of power.
The alternator is a generator that produces electricity to recharge the battery and power the vehicle's electrical systems while the engine is running. A malfunctioning alternator can lead to battery drain and starting issues.
battery
"...you have a faulty starter motor or you have a bad battery or you have a bad alternator..."
The battery is a part of the car that stores electricity. It helps start the engine and powers things like lights and radio when the engine is off. If the battery is dead, the car won't start.
The battery provides the electrical power needed to start the engine and power electrical components when the engine is off. A weak or dead battery can prevent the car from starting.
resistance
"...when things heat up the resistance goes up that's simple and that's what's happening to the starter heats up the resistance of the windings goes up and it makes it harder for it to turn..."
Resistance is like a blockage that makes it harder for electricity to flow. When things heat up, it can create more resistance, which can make it difficult for parts like the starter motor to work well.
Resistance in electrical terms refers to the opposition to the flow of electric current. In the context of a starter motor, increased resistance due to heat can hinder its ability to function properly, making it harder to start the engine.
Chevrolet Suburban
"my wife has a 1997 three-quarter ton suburban with the 7.4 liter v8 oh my well I'm tired of getting thank you notices from the gas"
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and cargo. The 1997 version is known for being roomy and powerful, often used for family trips or work purposes.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that has been in production since 1935. The 1997 model is part of the 8th generation, known for its spacious interior and towing capabilities, making it popular among families and for commercial use.
7.4 liter V8
"my wife has a 1997 three-quarter ton suburban with the 7.4 liter v8 oh my well I'm tired of getting thank you notices from the gas"
The 7.4 liter V8 is a big engine that helps the vehicle go fast and carry heavy loads, but it uses a lot of gas, which can be expensive.
The 7.4 liter V8 engine is a large displacement engine known for producing significant power and torque, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications like towing. However, it is also less fuel-efficient compared to smaller engines.
aftermarket high-tech electronic ignition systems
"lately I have heard a lot of ads for these aftermarket high-tech electronic ignition systems that you get plug all the wires in and five minutes later you got great gas mileage"
These are special parts you can add to your car to help it start better and use less gas. They replace the original parts and can make your car run smoother.
Aftermarket high-tech electronic ignition systems are upgrades that can improve engine performance and fuel efficiency by providing a more reliable spark for combustion. They are designed to replace factory ignition systems and can be installed relatively easily.
7.4 liter engine
"...why do you have a 7.4 liter engine which is like 500 cubic inches by my calculations just her quest for more power and torque..."
A 7.4 liter engine is a large engine that can produce a lot of power. The size of the engine is measured in liters, and a bigger number usually means more strength and capability.
A 7.4 liter engine refers to the engine's displacement, which is the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. This measurement is significant because it often correlates with the engine's power output and torque.
cubic inches
"...which is like 500 cubic inches by my calculations just her quest for more power and torque..."
Cubic inches is a measurement for how big an engine is. In the U.S., people sometimes use this instead of liters to talk about engine size.
Cubic inches is another way to measure engine displacement, similar to liters. It indicates the size of the engine and is often used in the United States to describe engine capacity.
horsepower
"...just her quest for more power and torque when she's out cruising the highway with that big horse trailer behind her..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the vehicle can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, affecting acceleration and overall performance.
torque
"...just her quest for more power and torque when she's out cruising the highway with that big horse trailer behind her..."
Torque is how strong an engine is at moving things, especially when starting from a stop or pulling heavy loads. More torque means better ability to tow or accelerate quickly.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which is crucial for acceleration and towing capacity in vehicles. It represents how much twisting force the engine generates to turn the wheels.
super coil
"...it's a set of of what they call kind of a high-tech spark plug wires they a super coil and then some sort of little computer gizmo that keeps it all hanging together..."
A super coil is a special part that helps make the spark in the engine stronger, which can help the car run better and use fuel more efficiently.
A super coil is an upgraded ignition coil designed to produce a stronger electrical spark for the engine's spark plugs. This can improve engine performance and efficiency.
spark plug wires
"...it's a set of of what they call kind of a high-tech spark plug wires they a super coil and then some sort of little computer gizmo that keeps it all hanging together..."
Spark plug wires are like electrical cords that connect the battery to the parts of the engine that make it go. They help the engine start and run properly.
Spark plug wires are electrical cables that deliver voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in an engine. They play a crucial role in ensuring that the engine runs smoothly by providing the necessary spark for combustion.
Ford Falcon
"...he fires up his most reliable car is 65 Falcon and makes his way cross Massachusetts on to Route 7 in New York..."
The Ford Falcon is a small car made by Ford that was popular in the 1960s. It's known for being affordable and reliable, which is why many people liked it back then.
The Ford Falcon is a compact car that was produced by Ford from 1960 to 1970. It was known for its simplicity and reliability, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers during its production years.
ignition points
"...if only I had another set of points as luck would have it he opens the glove box and there's a shiny new set of ignition points sitting right there..."
Ignition points help start the engine by creating a spark. They are part of older car engines and are not commonly used in modern cars anymore.
Ignition points are components in older ignition systems that open and close the electrical circuit to the ignition coil, allowing the engine to start. They are crucial for the timing of the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine's cylinders.
distributor cap
"...he opens the hood takes off the distributor cap and proceeds to remove that little screw that holds the breaker..."
The distributor cap helps send electricity to the engine to make it run. It's an important part of the ignition system that helps the engine start and keep running.
The distributor cap is a component of the ignition system that houses the ignition points and distributes the high voltage from the ignition coil to the correct cylinder in the engine. It plays a vital role in ensuring the engine runs smoothly.
Porsche 911
"...what year is this 9-11 it's 9-19-72 oh vintage no probably we all restored in primo condition in worth hundreds of thousands of dollars..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for a long time. The 1972 version is considered vintage and is known for its unique look and speed.
The Porsche 911 is a classic sports car that has been in production since 1964. The 1972 model is part of the early generation of 911s, known for its distinctive design and performance capabilities.
vintage
"...oh vintage no probably we all restored in primo condition in worth hundreds of thousands of dollars..."
'Vintage' means that a car is quite old, usually over 20 years, and is often considered special or collectible.
In automotive terms, 'vintage' refers to cars that are typically over 20 years old and often have historical significance or classic appeal. They are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
relay
"...current from flowing why should fires start and that's what's going on I mean well you never stop current from flowing to the switch I mean that's the way which works is current coming to it and then when you turn the headlights on you energize a relay..."
A relay is like a switch that uses electricity to turn something on or off. In cars, it helps control things like the headlights or the engine without needing a lot of power from the battery.
A relay is an electrically operated switch that allows a low-power circuit to control a high-power circuit. In automotive applications, relays are often used to control components like headlights and fuel pumps.
headlights
"...and then when you turn the headlights on you energize a relay and you send send current to the lights like the lights..."
Headlights are the bright lights at the front of a car that help you see when it's dark. You can turn them on and off with a switch inside the car.
Headlights are the front lights of a vehicle that illuminate the road ahead when driving at night or in low visibility conditions. They are essential for safety and are typically controlled by a switch inside the car.
Ford truck
"...I've been thinking about getting a new truck and I hear so much..."
The 1969 Ford truck is a type of vehicle made by Ford that is known for being tough and useful for carrying heavy loads or towing.
The 1969 Ford truck is part of Ford's F-Series, known for its durability and versatility, making it a popular choice for both work and personal use.
diesel engine
"...don't forget a diesel engine has to use the the heat of compression to combust the the fuel and one of the reasons that you have to change the oil often in a diesel is that it gets contaminated with the with the fuel..."
A diesel engine is a type of engine that runs on a special fuel called diesel. It works differently from regular gasoline engines by using heat to ignite the fuel instead of a spark. They are usually more efficient but need regular care to keep them running well.
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses diesel fuel, which is ignited by the heat of compression rather than a spark. This type of engine is known for its fuel efficiency and durability, but it requires regular maintenance to prevent issues like fuel contamination.
oil change
"...one of the reasons that you have to change the oil often in a diesel is that it gets contaminated with the with the fuel and that contamination takes place primarily when the engine is running inefficiently..."
An oil change is when you replace the old oil in your car's engine with new oil. This helps keep the engine running smoothly and prevents damage. It's especially important for diesel engines because they can get dirty faster.
An oil change is a routine maintenance procedure where old engine oil is replaced with new oil to keep the engine lubricated and functioning properly. It's essential for preventing engine wear and maintaining performance, especially in diesel engines that can become contaminated more quickly.
power steering pump
"...the power steering pump part of it is easy you can attach a pump and there's plenty of places to attach one..."
The power steering pump makes it easier to turn the steering wheel by using fluid pressure. This helps you steer without having to use a lot of strength, especially in big cars or trucks.
A power steering pump is a component that helps to reduce the effort needed to steer a vehicle by providing hydraulic pressure to the steering system. It allows for easier maneuverability, especially in larger or heavier vehicles.
steering box
"...it's getting the steering box that's tough okay and so you have to get one you have to find out what steering box fits..."
The steering box helps turn the wheels when you turn the steering wheel. It's an important part of the steering system that makes sure your car goes where you want it to.
The steering box is a crucial component in a vehicle's steering system that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the lateral movement of the wheels. It plays a key role in how responsive and precise the steering feels.
Chevy one-ton panel truck
"...the first was a 1965 Chevy one-ton panel truck well that's a nice yeah..."
This is a type of truck made by Chevrolet in 1965. It's known for being sturdy and is often used for carrying heavy loads or as a restoration project.
The 1965 Chevy one-ton panel truck is a classic vehicle known for its utility and vintage charm, often used for commercial purposes or as a restoration project.
Chevy pickup trucks
"...and now they're two more 1965 Chevy pickup trucks..."
These are trucks made by Chevrolet in 1965. They're known for being tough and can be used for many purposes, like work or personal use.
The 1965 Chevy pickup trucks are classic vehicles known for their durability and versatility, often used for both work and leisure.
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