{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"#2611: Hey, Mr. Spaceman","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/2611-hey-mr-spaceman","audioUrl":"https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510208/traffic.megaphone.fm/NPR5398157411.mp3?t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5698172&p=510208&d=2215&size=35447206","description":"Back in the day, local baseball hero for the Red Sox, Bill ‘Spaceman’ Lee took some of his bonus money and bought himself an old BMW that he still has and it’s giving him trouble. Can Click and Clack help Bill get the Bimmer started in exchange for tips on how to throw a better curveball? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy"},"annotations":[{"startTime":217.08,"endTime":219.36,"type":"car","title":"Ford Festiva","url":"/cars/ford/festiva","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/1989_Ford_Festiva_L_Plus%2C_front_left%2C_09-27-2025.jpg","quote":"It's a 1994's Festiva. It has 80,000 miles on it.","canonicalId":"car:ford:festiva","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Festiva is a subcompact car that was produced by Ford from 1986 to 1993. It is known for its small size and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious drivers.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Festiva is a small car that was made in the early 1990s. It's known for being affordable and good on gas.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":242.0,"endTime":242.5,"type":"part","title":"flywheel","url":"/glossary/flywheel","quote":"That's because the hamsters are applying extra torque to the flywheel.","canonicalId":"part:flywheel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The flywheel is a mechanical component that stores rotational energy and helps to smooth out the power delivery from the engine. It is crucial for maintaining engine balance and efficiency during operation.","simplifiedExplanation":"The flywheel is a round part in a car that helps keep the engine running smoothly. It stores energy and helps the engine work better."}},{"startTime":351.8,"endTime":357.38,"type":"car","title":"Triumph TR4","url":"/cars/triumph/tr4","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/1963_Triumph_TR4_Roadster_%2812096728943%29.jpg","quote":"...he had this really cool TR4.","canonicalId":"car:triumph:tr4","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Triumph TR4 is a classic British sports car produced from 1961 to 1965. It is known for its sleek design and spirited performance, appealing to enthusiasts of vintage automobiles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Triumph TR4 is an old sports car from the 1960s that many car lovers admire for its style and driving experience. It's a fun car to drive and has a lot of history.","imageAttribution":"Sicnag (CC BY 2.0)"}},{"startTime":358.5,"endTime":363.7,"type":"term","title":"transmission housing","url":"/glossary/transmission-housing","quote":"And he dropped the bolt into the transmission when he was working on it and blew a hole in the housing. So the only thing I'll let him do on the Fest is change my headlights when I need new lights.","canonicalId":"term:transmission-housing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The transmission housing is the outer casing that protects and contains the transmission components. If damaged, it can lead to significant issues, including fluid leaks and transmission failure.","simplifiedExplanation":"The transmission housing is like a protective shell for the car's transmission. If it's broken, it can cause serious problems with how the car shifts gears."}},{"startTime":364.6,"endTime":369.2,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Fest","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/German_Fest_2023_09_%281974_Volkswagen_Karmann_Ghia%29.jpg","quote":"So the only thing I'll let him do on the Fest is change my headlights when I need new lights. So this guy has to live with the legacy of this stupid little bolt.","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen-fest","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Fest is likely a reference to a specific model or event related to Volkswagen cars, often associated with enthusiasts and gatherings.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Fest is probably a type of Volkswagen car or an event for Volkswagen fans. It's a place where people who love these cars come together.","imageAttribution":"Michael Barera (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":423.2,"endTime":424.7,"type":"part","title":"motor mounts","url":"/glossary/motor-mounts","quote":"Motor mounts are probably broken. The engine's going to fall out in the street tomorrow.","canonicalId":"part:motor-mounts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Motor mounts are components that secure the engine to the vehicle's chassis and absorb vibrations. If they are broken, it can lead to excessive engine movement and potential damage.","simplifiedExplanation":"Motor mounts hold the engine in place in your car. If they're broken, the engine can move around too much, which can cause problems."}},{"startTime":512.9,"endTime":517.1,"type":"car","title":"Buick Skylark","url":"/cars/buick/skylark","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/1969_Buick_Skylark_Langdon_Street_downtown_Montpelier_VT_October_2017.jpg","quote":"...this beauty car is a 1970 Buick Skylark. Oh, really? And it's gray and has some chrome on it and 30,000 miles only.","canonicalId":"car:buick:skylark","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Buick Skylark is a classic American car that was produced by Buick from 1953 to 1998. The 1970 model is particularly notable for its stylish design and performance options, making it a favorite among collectors.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Buick Skylark is a car made by the Buick company, known for its classic designs. The 1970 version is a popular model among car enthusiasts because of its looks and performance.","imageAttribution":"Artaxerxes (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":531.4,"endTime":534.6,"type":"part","title":"coolant","url":"/glossary/coolant","quote":"But it has a slow leak of coolant. And the radiator also rests on a couple of things like made of rubber, little blocks down there.","canonicalId":"part:coolant","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Coolant is a fluid used in the cooling system of a vehicle to transfer heat away from the engine. It typically consists of a mixture of water and antifreeze to prevent freezing and boiling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Coolant is a liquid that helps keep the engine from getting too hot. It circulates through the engine and radiator to absorb heat and keep everything running smoothly."}},{"startTime":534.6,"endTime":540.8,"type":"part","title":"radiator","url":"/glossary/radiator","quote":"But it has a slow leak of coolant. And the radiator also rests on a couple of things like made of rubber, little blocks down there. Yeah.","canonicalId":"part:radiator","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The radiator is a crucial component of a vehicle's cooling system, responsible for dissipating heat from the engine coolant. If it has a leak or is not functioning properly, it can lead to engine overheating and potential damage.","simplifiedExplanation":"The radiator helps keep the engine cool by removing heat from the engine coolant. If it's leaking, it can cause the engine to overheat, which is a serious problem."}},{"startTime":550.5,"endTime":550.5,"type":"part","title":"rubber blocks","url":"/glossary/rubber-blocks","quote":"Yeah, but the new radiator is going to spring the leak also if these rubber blocks aren't replaced.","canonicalId":"part:rubber-blocks","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Rubber blocks are often used as mounts or spacers in various automotive applications, including securing components like the radiator. They help absorb vibrations and provide stability.","simplifiedExplanation":"Rubber blocks are small pieces made of rubber that help hold parts of the car in place and reduce shaking. If they wear out, it can cause problems with other parts."}},{"startTime":580.0,"endTime":580.5,"type":"part","title":"transmission cooler lines","url":"/glossary/transmission-cooler-lines","quote":"Removing the radiator from this car requires basically removing two transmission cooler lines, which is very easy to do.","canonicalId":"part:transmission-cooler-lines","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Transmission cooler lines are tubes that carry transmission fluid to and from the transmission cooler, helping to regulate the temperature of the transmission fluid. This is important for maintaining proper transmission function and longevity.","simplifiedExplanation":"Transmission cooler lines are pipes that help keep the transmission fluid cool. They move the fluid to a cooler part of the car to prevent the transmission from overheating."}},{"startTime":1005.1,"endTime":1007.9,"type":"car","title":"BMW 1974","url":"/cars/bmw/1-series","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/1974_BMW_2002_ti_1.jpg","quote":"Yeah, I bought a car from you guys back in 7-0. I bought it from Beaconwood Motors, a 74 beamer.","canonicalId":"car:bmw:1-series","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The speaker mentions buying a car from 1974, specifically a BMW, which indicates a classic model from that era. BMW has a rich history of producing vehicles known for their performance and engineering.","simplifiedExplanation":"The speaker talks about buying a BMW car from 1974. BMW is a well-known car brand, and cars from that year are considered classic or vintage.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1111.6,"endTime":1112.9,"type":"car","title":"BMW E3","url":"/cars/bmw/bavaria","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/2024-Retro-S_BMW_V12-LMR_MHybrid-V8_E3-3.3Li.jpg","quote":"Well, my car's at the bottom of the hill. It's a 74 beamer.","canonicalId":"car:bmw:bavaria","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The speaker refers to their car as a '74 beamer', which is a colloquial term for a BMW from 1974, likely referring to the BMW E3 series, known for its luxury and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 'beamer' is a nickname for BMW cars. The speaker has a BMW from 1974, which is part of the E3 series, known for being a luxury sedan.","imageAttribution":"Wikisympathisant (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1116.6,"endTime":1116.6,"type":"part","title":"Norris camshaft","url":"/glossary/norris-camshaft","quote":"It's got the Alpina manifold with the Norris camshaft, the dual Weber carburetors.","canonicalId":"part:norris-camshaft","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A Norris camshaft is a type of performance camshaft that alters the timing and lift of the engine's valves, enhancing engine performance and responsiveness.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Norris camshaft is a part of the engine that helps control how the valves open and close, making the engine run better and faster."}},{"startTime":1116.6,"endTime":1116.6,"type":"part","title":"dual Weber carburetors","url":"/glossary/dual-weber-carburetors","quote":"It's got the Alpina manifold with the Norris camshaft, the dual Weber carburetors.","canonicalId":"part:dual-weber-carburetors","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Dual Weber carburetors are performance carburetors that provide better fuel-air mixture to the engine, improving power and throttle response.","simplifiedExplanation":"Dual Weber carburetors are special parts that mix fuel and air for the engine. Having two of them helps the engine run better and faster."}},{"startTime":1116.6,"endTime":1116.6,"type":"part","title":"Alpina manifold","url":"/glossary/alpina-manifold","quote":"It's got the Alpina manifold with the Norris camshaft, the dual Weber carburetors.","canonicalId":"part:alpina-manifold","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An Alpina manifold is a performance intake manifold designed by Alpina, a company known for tuning BMW vehicles. It helps improve airflow to the engine for better performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"An Alpina manifold is a special part that helps the engine get more air, which can make the car go faster. It's made by a company that improves BMW cars."}},{"startTime":1163.0,"endTime":1167.7,"type":"part","title":"cap","url":"/glossary/cap","quote":"And you have tried all the usual things like spraying the cap, the rotor, and the wires. Yes.","canonicalId":"part:cap","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The cap, often referred to as the distributor cap, is part of the ignition system that houses the rotor and helps distribute the electrical current to the correct cylinder. A faulty cap can lead to misfires and starting issues.","simplifiedExplanation":"The cap is a part of the ignition system that helps send electricity to the engine's cylinders. If it's broken, the car might not start or run smoothly."}},{"startTime":1163.0,"endTime":1167.7,"type":"part","title":"wires","url":"/glossary/wires","quote":"And you have tried all the usual things like spraying the cap, the rotor, and the wires. Yes.","canonicalId":"part:wires","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The wires, often called ignition wires or spark plug wires, carry electrical current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. Damaged wires can cause misfires and starting problems.","simplifiedExplanation":"The wires are the parts that carry electricity from the ignition system to the spark plugs. If they're damaged, the car might not run properly or start."}},{"startTime":1176.0,"endTime":1180.6,"type":"part","title":"rotor","url":"/glossary/rotor","quote":"But the big thing is, I'll get it going, and then it'll run really rough, and then it'll come, it'll die, and then it won't start again. Right. And I'm wondering if it's the rotor, because I'm going through rotor caps real quick.","canonicalId":"part:rotor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The rotor is a component of the ignition system in a car that distributes electrical current to the spark plugs. If it's worn or damaged, it can cause rough running and starting issues.","simplifiedExplanation":"The rotor is a part of the car's ignition system that helps send electricity to the spark plugs. If it doesn't work well, the car might run poorly or not start at all."}},{"startTime":1220.9,"endTime":1221.9,"type":"part","title":"coil","url":"/glossary/coil","quote":"Have you ever replaced the coil? That's a good question. No, because that was...","canonicalId":"part:coil","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The coil, or ignition coil, is a crucial component in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine. It transforms the battery's low voltage into the high voltage needed to create a spark at the spark plug, igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders.","simplifiedExplanation":"The coil is a part of the car's ignition system that helps create the spark needed to start the engine. It takes the battery's power and boosts it to a much higher voltage so that the spark plugs can ignite the fuel."}},{"startTime":1230.4,"endTime":1231.4,"type":"part","title":"spark plug","url":"/glossary/spark-plug","quote":"I've got pretty good spark to the spark plug. So you know you're getting good spark out of the coil and to the plugs?","canonicalId":"part:spark-plug","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Spark plugs are essential components in gasoline engines that ignite the air-fuel mixture. They create a spark that ignites the mixture, allowing the engine to run efficiently. Proper functioning of spark plugs is crucial for engine performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Spark plugs are small parts in the engine that create a spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture. They help the engine start and run smoothly."}},{"startTime":1251.2,"endTime":1254.1,"type":"part","title":"Weber's","url":"/glossary/webers","quote":"I was going to go with the Weber's.","canonicalId":"part:webers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Weber refers to a brand of carburetors known for their performance and tuning capabilities, often used in performance and racing applications. They are popular among car enthusiasts for improving engine efficiency and power.","simplifiedExplanation":"Weber's are a type of carburetor used in some cars. They help mix air and fuel for the engine, and many car enthusiasts like them for better performance."}},{"startTime":1277.6,"endTime":1282.6,"type":"part","title":"temperature compensator","url":"/glossary/temperature-compensator","quote":"Well, it could be that the Weber's, if I'm not mistaken, have a temperature compensator in them, and it could be that when you are, that temperature compensator isn't working...","canonicalId":"part:temperature-compensator","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A temperature compensator is a device in carburetors that adjusts the fuel-air mixture based on the temperature of the incoming air. This helps maintain optimal engine performance under varying conditions.","simplifiedExplanation":"A temperature compensator helps your car's engine run better by adjusting how much fuel and air it gets based on the temperature outside. This is important for keeping the engine running smoothly."}},{"startTime":2038.8,"endTime":2047.6,"type":"car","title":"Honda Accord","url":"/cars/honda/accord","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/2007_Honda_Accord_Euro_R_with_Mugen_tuning_front.jpg","quote":"Well, I've got a 1986 Honda Accord fuel injected, and what it does is driving out in California...","canonicalId":"car:honda:accord","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. The 1986 model represents a generation that was well-regarded for its innovative design and technology, including fuel injection.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Accord is a well-known car that many people trust for its reliability. The 1986 version is part of a series that was designed to be efficient and easy to drive.","imageAttribution":"Throwawayacc222 (CC0)"}},{"startTime":2098.6,"endTime":2132.4,"type":"part","title":"cooling fan timer","url":"/glossary/cooling-fan-timer","quote":"To fix it, there is a cooling fan timer device, which works in conjunction with the fan and the switch that's in the radiator. You can probably find one at an auto recycling center.","canonicalId":"part:cooling-fan-timer","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The cooling fan timer is a device that controls the operation of the cooling fan in a vehicle. It ensures that the fan continues to run for a set period after the engine has been turned off, helping to cool the engine and prevent overheating.","simplifiedExplanation":"The cooling fan timer helps keep your engine cool by making sure the fan runs for a while even after you turn off the car. This is important to prevent the engine from getting too hot."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"NPR","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/2611-hey-mr-spaceman/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}