#2605: The Family That Parks Together
About this episode
A lively discussion unfolds as the Tappet Brothers tackle quirky car-related questions and share humorous anecdotes. A caller debates with his brother about parking a truck in a garage, leading to a nostalgic story about a tricky parking situation. The episode also features a puzzler about trains and a bee, along with a humorous take on exhaust smells from a Volvo. The brothers' banter and wit keep the conversation engaging, making it a delightful listen for fans of automotive humor.
Al and his brother are about to come to blows… over parking. He wants to know if it’s possible to navigate into a parking space that you can’t back out of, and Click and Clack want to use this opportunity to settle an old score on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.
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1600cc air-cooled engine
"1600cc air-cooled engine."
A 1600cc air-cooled engine is a type of engine that doesn't use water to stay cool. Instead, it relies on air, which makes it simpler and lighter, and it's often found in older Volkswagen cars.
The 1600cc air-cooled engine refers to a 1.6-liter engine that uses air for cooling instead of liquid coolant. This type of engine is known for its simplicity and reliability, commonly found in classic Volkswagen models.
fuel pump
"You have damaged the fuel pump by asking it to do something it was never designed to do."
The fuel pump helps deliver gasoline from the tank to the engine. If it gets damaged, the car might not run properly or could stop working altogether.
A fuel pump is a critical component in a vehicle's fuel system that moves fuel from the tank to the engine. If it is damaged, it can lead to performance issues or complete failure to start the vehicle.
carburetor
"...what I've done is taken a teaspoon full of gasoline, put it in, stop the carburetor, and it would start."
The carburetor is a part that mixes air and gasoline so the engine can burn it and create power. Many newer cars use a different system called fuel injection.
A carburetor is a device in older vehicles that mixes air with fuel for combustion in the engine. It has largely been replaced by fuel injection systems in modern cars.
RPM
"Because once you get the engine turning at 1,000 or 2,000 RPM, that pump is pumping so fast that it will then suck the gas right out of the tank and it'll continue to run."
RPM means how many times the engine's parts spin in one minute. When the number is higher, it usually means the engine is working harder and going faster.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute and is a measure of how fast an engine's crankshaft is spinning. Higher RPMs typically indicate that the engine is working harder and producing more power.
vapor lock
"I thought it was some kind of a vapor lock or something like that. It could be vapor lock too, but it's not likely."
Vapor lock happens when the fuel turns into gas because it gets too hot, which can stop the engine from getting the fuel it needs to run.
Vapor lock occurs when fuel in the fuel system vaporizes due to high temperatures, preventing the fuel from reaching the engine. This can lead to engine stalling or difficulty starting.
charcoal canister
"You have a charcoal canister. I do."
A charcoal canister helps keep gas fumes from escaping into the air. It stores the fumes until they can be burned in the engine instead of being released outside.
A charcoal canister is a component of a vehicle's evaporative emissions control system. It captures fuel vapors from the gas tank and prevents them from escaping into the atmosphere, helping to reduce pollution.
Volkswagen Beetles
"... when the engine is hot, but in warm weather. Do beetles have that or just mine? Yours has it too."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that looks very different from most other cars, with a round shape and a quirky design. It was first made a long time ago and became very popular because it was fun to drive and easy to fix. People often talk about it because it's a classic car that many remember fondly.
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car that was originally designed in the 1930s and became widely popular in the 1960s and 70s. Known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout, the Beetle has a rich history and has become a symbol of automotive culture. It is often discussed for its unique design and the nostalgic feelings it evokes among car enthusiasts.
Dodge Dynasty
"All right, I have a 93 Dodge Dynasty. Did one of your grandparents leave this to you in a will?"
The Dodge Dynasty is a large car made by Dodge that was sold in the early 1990s. It's known for being roomy and comfortable, making it a good choice for families.
The Dodge Dynasty was a full-size sedan produced by Dodge from 1988 to 1993. It was known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, catering to families and those seeking a reliable vehicle.
Lincoln Continental
"Yeah, I have one of them. It's a 77 Lincoln. And I'm scared of it."
The 1977 Lincoln Continental is a large, luxury car that was popular for its comfort and style. It's known for having a lot of space inside and a unique look.
The 1977 Lincoln Continental is a full-size luxury car known for its spacious interior and distinctive design. It was part of a long line of luxury vehicles produced by Lincoln, a division of Ford.
exhaust smell
"I'm having trouble with my car, with an exhaust smell. It's a smell when I'm sitting in my car, like at a red light, and then I get ready to take off. It's a very strong smell of exhaust."
Exhaust smell is the odor you might notice when your car is running, especially if there's a problem. If you smell it inside your car, it could mean there's a leak or something wrong with the engine.
Exhaust smell refers to the odor produced by the combustion process in an engine, which can indicate issues like a leak in the exhaust system or incomplete combustion. It's important to address this smell as it can be harmful and may signify mechanical problems.
Volvo 850
"No, it's a 93 Volvo 850. Well, the first thing you have to determine, Helen, is if it has an exhaust leak."
The Volvo 850 is a car made by Volvo that was popular in the 1990s. It was known for being safe and good for families.
The Volvo 850 is a mid-size car produced by Volvo from 1991 to 1997. It was known for its safety features and practicality, making it a popular choice among families.
exhaust leak
"Well, the first thing you have to determine, Helen, is if it has an exhaust leak. Well, they told me I didn't."
An exhaust leak is when the gases from the engine escape somewhere they shouldn't, which can make the car louder and less efficient. It can also be dangerous if those gases get into the car.
An exhaust leak occurs when exhaust gases escape from the exhaust system before reaching the tailpipe. This can lead to reduced engine performance and increased noise, and it may also allow harmful gases to enter the cabin.
oil leak
"I would ask them to look for an oil leak that's dripping onto the front exhaust pipe."
An oil leak is when oil from the engine drips out, which can cause problems if it gets too low. It's something you want to fix quickly to keep your engine running well.
An oil leak refers to the unintended escape of engine oil from the engine or its components, which can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage if not addressed. It's important to regularly check for leaks to maintain engine health.
catalytic converter
"Or maybe even the catalytic converter. Some place near the front of the car."
The catalytic converter helps clean up the exhaust gases from your car, making them less harmful to the environment. It's an important part of the car's exhaust system.
A catalytic converter is an emissions control device that converts toxic gases from the engine into less harmful emissions before they exit the exhaust system. It plays a crucial role in reducing air pollution from vehicles.
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