About this episode
A humorous discussion unfolds as the Tappert Brothers tackle a listener's quirky car problem involving a 1985 Nissan pickup that mysteriously slows down in cold weather. The conversation dives into potential causes, from fuel filters to catalytic converters, with plenty of banter and laughter. Marge, the caller, shares her love for the show and her mechanical expertise, leading to a light-hearted exchange about fixing cars and the challenges of diagnosing issues. The episode blends car repair advice with entertaining anecdotes, making it a delightful listen for automotive enthusiasts.
Bernardo needs to get the crud out of his engine, but he can’t afford an expensive trip to his mechanic. Could a can of miracle goo from the auto parts store possibly be the answer? Enter, ‘The Sludgehammer’ on this episode of the Best of Car Talk.
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voice-activated radio
"Salesman says, the radio has been pre-programmed to your voice, sir. And all you have to do is tell the radio what you want to hear and it will play."
A voice-activated radio lets you tell the car what music you want to hear instead of pressing buttons, making it easier to change songs while driving.
A voice-activated radio allows drivers to control audio playback and other functions using voice commands, enhancing convenience and safety while driving.
fuel filter
"I've replaced the fuel filter. Good. I've replaced the fuel pump."
The fuel filter cleans the fuel that goes into the engine, making sure it doesn't have dirt or other particles that could cause problems.
A fuel filter is a component that removes contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the engine. This helps to ensure that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently by preventing dirt and debris from causing damage.
fuel pump
"I've replaced the fuel pump. Oh, this has an electric pump? Yes."
The fuel pump sends fuel from the gas tank to the engine so that the engine can run. Without it, the car wouldn't get any fuel.
A fuel pump is a device that moves fuel from the tank to the engine. It can be mechanical or electric and is essential for the engine to receive the fuel it needs to operate.
electric pump
"Oh, this has an electric pump? Yes. Those are two beauties."
An electric pump is a fuel pump that runs on electricity instead of being powered by the engine. It's often used in newer cars because it's more efficient.
An electric pump is a type of fuel pump that uses electricity to move fuel, as opposed to mechanical pumps that may rely on engine movement. Electric pumps are commonly used in modern vehicles for their efficiency and reliability.
relay
"I, for another previous problem, I replaced the relay that's underneath the dash. Oh."
A relay is like a helper switch that turns on other electrical parts of the car when needed. It helps control things like headlights or fuel pumps without using a lot of power.
A relay is an electrical switch that uses a small amount of current to control a larger current. It's commonly used in automotive applications to manage power to various components, such as lights or fuel pumps.
carburetor
"I also swapped out the carburetor for a used carburetor I got from a junkyard. Yeah, it wouldn't be the carburetor."
A carburetor is a part that helps mix air and fuel so the engine can run. It's mostly found in older cars since many newer ones use fuel injectors instead.
A carburetor is a device in older vehicles that mixes air and fuel for internal combustion engines. It atomizes the fuel to ensure proper combustion, which is crucial for engine performance.
catalytic converter
"Did you ever replace the catalytic converter? No. I have a feeling. My crystal ball says that that's in the cards for you."
A catalytic converter is a part of the exhaust system that helps clean up the gases that come out of the engine, making them less harmful to the environment.
A catalytic converter is an emissions control device that converts harmful gases from the engine into less harmful emissions before they exit the exhaust system. It's essential for meeting environmental regulations.
air cleaner
"...you have to pull over immediately and whip off the cover to the air cleaner. Okay. And look down there with a flashlight..."
An air cleaner is a part of the car that keeps dirt and dust out of the engine. It helps the engine run better by making sure it gets clean air.
An air cleaner, also known as an air filter, is a component that removes contaminants from the air entering the engine. It ensures that only clean air reaches the engine for combustion, which is crucial for optimal performance and efficiency.
Ford F150
"I've got a 97 Ford F-150 pickup. It's got the, you know, a third door extended cab and it's great for my little kids getting in and out with car seats and all that."
The Ford F-150 is a popular pickup truck that can be used for many purposes, like carrying cargo or towing. The 1997 version is known for being reliable and practical.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its versatility and capability. The 1997 model is part of the ninth generation, which introduced a more rounded design and improved safety features.
disc rotor
"On the disc rotor. Yeah. Now, is this, what is that? That's part of the brakes. That's the thing that the brake pads squeeze against to stop the vehicle."
The disc rotor is the round part of the brakes that the brake pads press against to help stop the car. If it's scratched, it might not work as well, but it's not always a big problem.
A disc rotor is a crucial component of a disc brake system. It is the round metal disc that the brake pads clamp down on to create friction, which slows down or stops the vehicle.
Volvo 740 Turbo Diesel
"Well, I have a 1985 740 jelly turbo diesel Volvo wagon. It's got about 125,000 miles on it."
The Volvo 740 Turbo Diesel is a car made by Volvo in 1985. It's known for being reliable and practical, especially with its diesel engine that helps it use less fuel.
The Volvo 740 Turbo Diesel is a mid-size car produced by Volvo in the 1980s, known for its durability and practicality. The turbo diesel variant offers improved fuel efficiency and torque compared to its gasoline counterparts.
burns oil
"The one thing it does do is it burns oil, burns about maybe, maybe a quarter every 500 miles or so, 500 to a thousand miles."
Burning oil means the engine is using up oil while it runs, which can happen if the engine is old or has problems. It can cause issues if not fixed.
Burning oil refers to an engine consuming oil during operation, which can indicate wear or damage to engine components. This can lead to reduced performance and potential engine damage if not addressed.
turbo diesel
"the fact that it had this turbo diesel thing going on, because it does have this, what I call the James Bond effect. You hit the gas or you accelerate. And the smoke screen comes up."
A turbo diesel engine is a powerful engine that uses diesel fuel and a turbocharger to help it run more efficiently. It's often found in trucks and cars that need to pull heavy loads or go fast while saving fuel.
A turbo diesel engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a turbocharger to increase the engine's efficiency and power output while running on diesel fuel. This setup is known for its torque and fuel economy, making it popular in various applications, including trucks and performance vehicles.
oil change
"But it's unusual because it's only got 125,000 miles on it. Has anyone ever changed the oil?"
An oil change is when you take out the old oil from a car's engine and put in new oil. This helps keep the engine running smoothly and prevents damage.
An oil change is the process of replacing the old engine oil in a vehicle with new oil. This is crucial for maintaining engine health, as fresh oil lubricates engine components, reduces friction, and helps prevent engine wear and overheating.
burn oil
"because diesel engines do have, if the oil isn't changed enough, a tendency to begin to burn oil, to beat the band as they say. So you, you could"
Burning oil happens when a car's engine uses up its oil too quickly, which can be a sign of problems inside the engine. It's important to keep an eye on oil levels to avoid damage.
Burning oil refers to a condition where an engine consumes oil during the combustion process, leading to a decrease in oil levels and potentially causing engine damage. This can occur due to worn engine components, such as piston rings or valve seals, or due to insufficient oil changes.
engine flush
"Yeah, it might be time for the engine flush for you. Engine flush? Yeah, there, there were certain companies, in fact, I'm sure there's one in the Fort Lauderdale area that, that have a machine that will run a solvent through your engine and clean out all the sludge."
An engine flush is like a deep cleaning for your car's engine. It helps remove dirt and gunk that can build up inside, making the engine run better.
An engine flush is a process where a solvent is run through the engine to clean out sludge and deposits that accumulate over time. This can help improve engine performance and longevity by ensuring that oil can circulate freely.
sludge
"run a solvent through your engine and clean out all the sludge. And for example, this may be burning oil because your piston rings are stuck."
Sludge is like a gooey buildup that can form inside your car's engine. It can make the engine work less efficiently and cause problems if it isn't cleaned out.
Sludge is a thick, sticky substance that can accumulate in an engine over time due to the breakdown of oil and contaminants. It can hinder engine performance and lead to serious issues if not addressed.
piston rings
"this may be burning oil because your piston rings are stuck. And the sludge breaker will get in there."
Piston rings are like seals that help keep oil and fuel in the right places inside the engine. If they get stuck, it can cause problems like burning oil.
Piston rings are components that seal the combustion chamber in an engine, allowing for efficient combustion and preventing oil from leaking into the combustion area. If they become stuck, it can lead to oil burning and decreased engine performance.
valve guides
"...the other possibility is that you have bad or worn valve guides. Yeah, but I would definitely try the sludge..."
Valve guides are parts in an engine that help keep the valves in place. If they wear out, it can cause problems like oil leaking and the engine not running well.
Valve guides are components that help maintain the alignment of the valves in an engine. Worn valve guides can lead to poor sealing and oil leaks, affecting engine performance.
Ford AeroStar
"...I was driving my Ford AeroStar down the road in Arlington, Texas last June when all of a sudden I heard a muffled bang that was immediately followed by the motor dying..."
The Ford AeroStar is a type of minivan made by Ford. It was built to be roomy and practical, especially for families needing extra space.
The Ford AeroStar is a minivan that was produced by Ford from 1986 to 1998. It was known for its spacious interior and versatility, making it popular among families.
motor
"...the motor dying. So you got this. He's driving along Ford AeroStar..."
The 'motor' is another word for the engine in a car. It's what makes the car move by turning fuel into energy.
In automotive terms, the 'motor' typically refers to the engine of the vehicle, which is responsible for converting fuel into mechanical energy to power the car.
Saab 900
"Well, I got a 94, Saab 900, a four cylinder. And it's got some idling problems."
The Saab 900 is a car made by the Swedish company Saab. The 1994 model is known for its distinctive look and is popular among car enthusiasts for its turbo engine options.
The Saab 900 is a compact executive car produced by the Swedish automaker Saab from 1978 to 1998. The 1994 model is part of the second generation, known for its unique design and turbocharged engine options.
Honda Accord
"...we had a Honda Accord, which was doing exactly the same thing. And where Pray Tell was the vacuum leak..."
The Honda Accord is a well-known car that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being dependable and having a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo.
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan known for its reliability and practicality. It's often praised for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, making it a favorite among families and commuters.
vacuum leak
"...And where Pray Tell was the vacuum leak. And that's exactly what it was. And the moral of the story is this..."
A vacuum leak is when air gets into the engine in a way that it shouldn't. This can cause the engine to run poorly or have problems starting.
A vacuum leak occurs when there's an unintended gap in the air intake system of an engine, allowing air to enter without going through the proper channels. This can lead to poor engine performance and can trigger warning lights or error codes.
scanner
"...we assume that all the answers are to be found in the scanner, which is the machine you plug into the car's computer to tell you what's wrong..."
A scanner is a device that mechanics use to check what's wrong with a car. It connects to the car's computer and shows error messages, but it doesn't always find every issue.
A scanner is a diagnostic tool used to connect to a car's onboard computer system. It retrieves error codes and data that help mechanics identify issues within the vehicle's systems, but it may not detect all problems, such as vacuum leaks.
intake manifold leak
"...you suspect that there's a vacuum leak, maybe even an intake manifold leak. Yeah. I have to just"
An intake manifold leak is when air gets into the engine from the wrong place, which can make the engine run poorly. It can cause problems like the engine not idling correctly or having trouble speeding up.
An intake manifold leak occurs when there is a breach in the intake manifold, allowing air to enter the engine without passing through the throttle body. This can lead to a lean air-fuel mixture and various performance issues, including rough idling and poor acceleration.
Buick Park Avenue
"Well, I'm actually calling about my father's car, although it could apply to anybody. He's got an 88 Buick Park Avenue with about 150,000 miles on it."
The Buick Park Avenue is a big, comfortable car made by Buick. The 1988 version is known for being a luxury vehicle with lots of space inside.
The Buick Park Avenue is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced by Buick from 1975 to 2005. The 1988 model is part of the fourth generation, known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.
fuel injection system
"...injection system has warmed up and then start the car. And what they told him was the fuel injection system will last longer that way. Sounds good to me..."
The fuel injection system is what sends fuel to the engine so it can run. It's more efficient than older systems and helps the car perform better.
A fuel injection system is a component in modern vehicles that delivers fuel to the engine in a precise manner. It replaces older carburetor systems and helps improve efficiency and performance.
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