About this episode
The Tappet Brothers tackle a variety of quirky car-related questions and anecdotes, including the mysterious 'whoop tube' from a caller's Lincoln Town Car. They humorously discuss the impact of their show on local politics, share stories about a Honda Civic with a bra, and delve into the challenges of driving with a malfunctioning door. The episode is filled with witty banter, practical advice, and a puzzler that leaves listeners pondering. The brothers also revisit past callers to see how their advice held up over time.
Lee’s Lincoln Town Car feels like it wants to brake on it’s own when cruising down the highway. His mechanic decided that it’s a problem with the “Whoop Tube”. Click and Clack and the rest of us hoping to find out what the heck a “Whoop Tube” is on this very episode of the Best of Car Talk.
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Lincoln Town Car
"Guys, I got a 1994 Lincoln Town Car. I bought it new in 1994. Got 103,000 miles on it and it kicks and bucks on me occasionally."
The Lincoln Town Car is a big, comfortable car that was made for luxury. It's often used as a fancy taxi or limousine because it has a lot of room inside.
The Lincoln Town Car is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced by Lincoln from 1981 to 2011. It is known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, making it a popular choice for limousines and luxury transportation.
kicks and bucks
"Got 103,000 miles on it and it kicks and bucks on me occasionally. The symptoms are like you'd be going down the road and all of a sudden it's like you kept the brake and that's the buck..."
When a car 'kicks and bucks', it means it suddenly shakes or jumps while driving, which can be a sign that something is wrong with the engine or transmission.
The terms 'kicks and bucks' refer to a vehicle's erratic behavior, often indicating transmission issues or engine misfires. This can happen when the car unexpectedly jerks or shifts gears abruptly.
transmission
"...it's like you kept the brake and that's the buck and then it'll kick back up like, no, it's grabbed another gear or something..."
The transmission is what helps your car change gears so it can go faster or slower. If it's not working right, the car can feel jerky or jumpy.
The transmission is a crucial component of a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the car to move. Issues with the transmission can lead to problems like the 'kicks and bucks' described.
Honda Civic
"I had a little, a really cute little Honda Civic 5-speed that I got a couple months ago..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's dependable and gets good gas mileage.
The Honda Civic is a popular compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It has been a favorite among drivers for decades and is available in various trims and configurations.
Ford ZX2
"So I went ahead and fold that car, which is a great car. And I got a little Ford ZX2."
The Ford ZX2 is a small, sporty car that Ford made a while ago. It's designed to be fun to drive.
The Ford ZX2 is a compact coupe that was produced by Ford in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is known for its sporty design and fun driving experience.
Dodge Spirit
"...ing to these notes, she called about her 91 Dodge Spirit. Don't remember her."
The Dodge Spirit is a family car that was made in the early '90s. It's known for being roomy and a good choice for people who need a reliable vehicle without spending too much money.
The Dodge Spirit is a midsize sedan produced from 1989 to 1995, known for its spacious interior and affordability. The 1991 model is part of the first generation and was popular for its comfortable ride and practical features. It may be discussed for its nostalgic value and as an example of early '90s American sedans.
co-pilot test
"And what they want to do is put a co-pilot test on it, which is some machine they hook into the electrical system..."
A co-pilot test is a way for mechanics to check what's wrong with a car by connecting a special machine to it.
A co-pilot test is a diagnostic procedure where a technician connects a machine to the vehicle's electrical system to monitor and troubleshoot issues.
O2 sensor
"It was an O2 sensor. The O2 sensor was malfunctioning so badly that the car thought it was flooding and it stopped giving itself gas."
An O2 sensor is a part of the car that checks how much oxygen is in the exhaust. This helps the engine run better and produce fewer emissions.
An O2 sensor, or oxygen sensor, measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine. It helps the engine control unit (ECU) adjust the air-fuel mixture for optimal combustion and emissions control.
Chevy K1500
"It's a 1989 Chevy pickup. How big a pickup? It's a full-size. K1500."
The Chevy K1500 is a large truck made by Chevrolet, designed for heavy-duty use. It's known for being strong and reliable, often used for work and towing.
The Chevy K1500 is a full-size pickup truck produced by Chevrolet, known for its durability and versatility. It was part of the C/K series of trucks, which were popular in the late 20th century.
Chevrolet 350
"Well, it's got a Chevy 350. Yeah."
The Chevrolet 350 is a type of engine used in many Chevy cars and trucks. It's known for being powerful and dependable, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet 350 is a small-block V8 engine that has been widely used in various Chevrolet vehicles since the 1960s. Known for its reliability and performance, it has become a popular choice for both street and racing applications.
antifreeze reservoir
"The antifreeze reservoir. Oh."
The antifreeze reservoir is where the liquid that cools the engine is stored. It helps keep the engine from getting too hot while the car is running.
The antifreeze reservoir is a container in a vehicle that holds the coolant fluid used to regulate engine temperature. It is essential for preventing the engine from overheating and maintaining optimal operating conditions.
valve cover gasket
"Well, everybody says that it's the valve cover gasket, except for my mechanic. And he doesn't think that it's possible that that could be the case."
The valve cover gasket is a rubber or silicone seal that keeps oil from leaking out of the engine. If it fails, you might see oil spots under your car.
The valve cover gasket is a seal that sits between the valve cover and the engine block, preventing oil leaks. It's important for maintaining proper oil pressure and preventing contamination in the engine.
head gasket
"The head gasket. It is a small chance that it's the head gaskets."
The head gasket is a seal that keeps the engine's oil and coolant from mixing. If it fails, it can cause big problems like overheating or engine damage.
The head gasket is a critical component that seals the engine block and cylinder head, preventing coolant and oil from mixing. A blown head gasket can lead to serious engine damage and overheating.
crate motor
"Well, you know, you might want to investigate buying an engine right from GM. I think it's called a crate motor."
A crate motor is a complete engine that you can buy and install in your car. It's ready to go, so you don't have to build it yourself.
A crate motor is a fully assembled engine that is sold as a complete unit, ready to be installed in a vehicle. These engines are often used for replacements or upgrades in various vehicles, providing a convenient option for car enthusiasts and mechanics.
target engines
"Yeah, I don't know. They used to call them target engines."
Target engines are engines made for replacing old ones or improving performance in cars. They are built to fit specific needs.
Target engines refer to a specific type of engine that is designed for replacement or performance upgrades. They are typically factory-built and intended to meet certain specifications for various applications.
cylinder head
"...then it's either the cracked cylinder head or cracked block. Or he said a weeping block maybe."
The cylinder head is a part of the engine that helps with the combustion process. It holds important parts like valves and spark plugs that help the engine run.
The cylinder head is the component that sits on top of the engine block and contains the combustion chambers, valves, and spark plugs. It plays a crucial role in the engine's performance and efficiency.
engine block
"...then it's either the cracked cylinder head or cracked block. Or he said a weeping block maybe."
The engine block is the main part of the engine where everything happens. It holds the cylinders and other important parts that make the engine work.
The engine block is the main structure of the engine, housing the cylinders and other key components. It is typically made of cast iron or aluminum and is essential for the engine's operation.
Honda Accord
"...What kind of a car do you have? It's an 88 Honda Accord. What do you have tied to the back door?"
The Honda Accord is a popular car that many people drive because it's dependable and gets good gas mileage. The 1988 version is an older model that people still like because it lasts a long time and is comfortable to drive.
The Honda Accord is a midsize car that has been in production since 1976, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. The 1988 model is part of the third generation, which was praised for its advanced engineering and comfortable ride. It is often discussed for its longevity and value as a used car option.
dome light
"So the dome lights on all the time. You have to get the fuse out for that."
The dome light is a light inside the car that turns on when you open the doors or press a button. It helps you see inside the car when it's dark.
The dome light is an interior light in a vehicle that provides illumination when the doors are opened or when activated by a switch. It's useful for visibility inside the car, especially at night.
hinges
"And the hinges may be all worn out so the doors sag down even more. And the latch is kind of, actually, the metal is almost ripped out of the screws."
Hinges are the parts that let the door swing open and closed. If they get old or damaged, the door might not work right and could even fall off.
Hinges are the mechanical components that allow doors to pivot open and closed. Worn hinges can cause doors to sag, making them difficult to close properly and potentially unsafe.
Volkswagen Bus
"...because his truck was broken down. So I took the bus and he used my car. So I've only been doing it f..."
The Volkswagen Bus is a classic van that people love for its unique look and ability to carry a lot of passengers or cargo. It's famous for being used by families and travelers, especially in the 1960s and 70s.
The Volkswagen Bus, also known as the VW Type 2 or Kombi, is an iconic vehicle that has been beloved since its introduction in the late 1940s. Known for its distinctive shape and versatility, it has become a symbol of counterculture and adventure. It is often discussed for its cultural significance and the nostalgia it evokes among enthusiasts.
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