Technical difficulties led Ron Ananian and his co-host Tom to miss a live broadcast from the PBA 286 car show, but they still shared engaging stories and insights. Ron described unique cars he encountered, including a vintage Volkswagen Bus Camper and a rare Z28 Road Racer. The episode also featured a detailed discussion about a Chevy Silverado's axle bearing repair, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in auto repair. Listeners called in with various car issues, including a BMW oil pan problem and a Mustang head gasket failure, showcasing the challenges and humor in automotive maintenance.
Ron and crew are on their way back from the North Pole this weekend.
It's a "Best Of" show from September 27, 2025. Instead of being on remote at the Annual PBA 286 Car Show, Ron and crew had to beat feet back to the studio when an equipment glitch at the time, later found out to be a Google Software update problem, caused remote equipment not to work.
Its a great hour of radio in typical Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor style. Enjoy the ride!
"...some of the cars that I got a chance to see there was a 79 Volkswagen Bus Camper, right?"
The Volkswagen Bus Camper is a popular old van that people often use for camping. It has a lot of space inside and a unique look that many fans love.
The Volkswagen Bus Camper is a classic vehicle known for its spacious interior and versatility, often used for camping and road trips. It has a distinctive boxy shape and is part of the Volkswagen Type 2 family, which has a strong following among enthusiasts.
"...and a cooktop and a refrigerator and a Volkswagen. It was the neatest thing."
The Volkswagen Type 2 is a classic van that people loved for camping and traveling. It has a unique shape and was made by Volkswagen in the 70s.
The Volkswagen Type 2, also known as the VW Bus or Kombi, was a popular van produced by Volkswagen from the 1950s through the 1970s. It is known for its distinctive boxy shape and versatility, often used for camping and road trips.
"They had a Type III Volkswagen, which is basically a, it's a Volkswagen mini truck, right?"
The Volkswagen Type III is a car made by Volkswagen that came in different shapes, like a small truck or a sedan, and was popular in the 60s and 70s.
The Volkswagen Type III was a model produced by Volkswagen in the 1960s and 1970s, known for its unique design and various body styles, including sedans and station wagons.
"but it was a 1991 Z28 Road Racer. It was the equivalent of a Yenco Camaro, a factory race car modified."
The Chevrolet Z28 is a sporty version of a car called the Camaro, and the 1991 model is known for being fast and fun to drive.
The Chevrolet Z28 is a performance variant of the Camaro, particularly known for its sporty features and powerful engine options. The 1991 model was part of the fourth generation of the Camaro.
"... Z28 Road Racer. It was the equivalent of a Yenco Camaro, a factory race car modified."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a powerful sports car that many people love for its speed and style. The Z28 version is a special type made for racing, which makes it even more exciting for car fans.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and sporty design. The Z28 variant, in particular, was designed for road racing, making it a significant model in the Camaro lineup and a favorite among enthusiasts.
"It was the equivalent of a Yenco Camaro, a factory race car modified."
The Yenko Camaro is a special version of the Camaro that was made to be faster and more powerful, and it's really rare because not many were made.
The Yenko Camaro is a modified version of the Chevrolet Camaro, known for its high performance and rarity. Yenko Chevrolet was a dealership that specialized in performance modifications during the muscle car era.
"We had a 2014 Chevy Silverado in the shop this week. A regular two door, plain Jane Chevy pickup, eight foot bed, four wheel drive."
The Chevy Silverado is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for work. The 2014 version is one of the popular models from Chevrolet.
The Chevy Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and capability. The 2014 model features various configurations, including different bed lengths and drivetrain options.
"...we were doing axle bearings. We had to do an axle bearing in the right rear. The axle seal was actually leaking."
An axle bearing helps the wheels turn smoothly. If it's broken, it can cause problems with how the car drives.
An axle bearing is a crucial component that allows the axle to rotate smoothly within the wheel hub. If the bearing is damaged or worn out, it can lead to poor handling and increased wear on other parts.
"...The axle seal was actually leaking. And when we took it apart, we could see the bearing was beat up too."
An axle seal keeps oil inside the axle so it doesn't leak out. If it leaks, it can cause damage to the parts inside.
An axle seal prevents lubricant from leaking out of the axle housing and keeps dirt and debris from entering. A leaking axle seal can lead to bearing damage and other issues.
"...os grandes, para los chicos, para los bajos y los altos, los pacifistas, los valientes, para los optimist..."
The Maruti Suzuki Alto is a small, budget-friendly car that many people in India drive. It's known for being easy on gas and a good choice for everyday use.
The Maruti Suzuki Alto is a popular compact car in India, known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. It caters to a wide range of customers, making it a significant player in the Indian automotive market.
"...just for one of those typical oil changes, he called me up and said..."
An oil change is when you replace the old oil in a car's engine with new oil. This helps keep the engine running well and prevents damage.
An oil change is a routine maintenance procedure where old engine oil is replaced with new oil to ensure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. It's crucial for maintaining engine health.
"...we have to take the engine out to replace the drill pan..."
Engine removal is when the engine is taken out of the car, usually for big repairs. It can be a lot of work and expensive.
Engine removal is the process of taking an engine out of a vehicle, often necessary for major repairs or replacements. It can be labor-intensive and costly.
"...it's about a $6,000 charge. And we'll do it for about four grand for you."
Repair costs are how much money you need to spend to fix a car. It can change a lot based on what needs to be fixed and what kind of car it is.
Repair costs refer to the expenses associated with fixing a vehicle. These can vary widely depending on the type of repair and the vehicle make and model.
"Why can't they hilly coil it? I don't know the answer to that."
Coilovers are special parts of a car's suspension that help improve how it handles on the road. They can be adjusted to change how high or low the car sits, making it perform better in turns.
Coilovers are a type of suspension system that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single unit. They allow for adjustable ride height and improved handling characteristics in vehicles.
"Yeah, that's not a 63 Chevy, brother. You know, that's a BMW, that's a rocket ship."
The 1963 Chevrolet refers to cars made by Chevrolet in that year, which are famous for their classic looks and performance. Models like the Corvette and Impala are well-known from that time.
The 1963 Chevrolet models are known for their classic design and performance, particularly the Corvette and Impala. They represent an era of American muscle cars with powerful engines and distinctive styling.
"...in terms of things that oil does, variable valve timing, and a bunch of other things."
Variable valve timing is a system in engines that helps them run better by changing when the valves open and close. This makes the engine more powerful and efficient at different speeds.
Variable valve timing (VVT) is a technology used in internal combustion engines to optimize performance and efficiency by adjusting the timing of the valve openings and closings. This allows for better power delivery across different engine speeds.
A helicoil is a tool used to fix holes that have lost their threads. It helps create a new, strong thread so that screws can be securely fastened again.
A helicoil is a type of threaded insert used to repair stripped threads in a hole. It allows for a stronger and more durable thread, especially in materials that are softer or more prone to wear.
The front suspension is the part of a car that helps support the front wheels and allows them to move up and down. It helps the car handle better and makes the ride smoother.
The front suspension is a system of components that connects the front wheels to the vehicle and allows for steering and shock absorption. It plays a crucial role in handling and ride comfort.
"So, yeah. Oh, I have a 2019 convertible Ford Mustang. Okay."
The Ford Mustang is a famous car known for being fast and stylish. The 2019 convertible version lets you enjoy driving with the top down, making it a fun choice for sunny days.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since the 1960s. The 2019 convertible model offers a blend of classic styling and modern performance features, making it a popular choice for both casual drivers and car enthusiasts.
"So you've got a blown head gasket, which is not completely uncommon on those."
A blown head gasket means there's a problem with the seal between the engine parts, which can cause serious issues like leaking fluids and overheating. It's something that needs to be fixed quickly to avoid more damage.
A blown head gasket is a failure of the gasket that seals the engine block and cylinder head, leading to coolant and oil mixing or engine compression loss. This can result in overheating and significant engine damage if not addressed promptly.
"It's this particular engine, the EcoBoost. It's expected Lincoln's Ford trucks, Ford Mustangs, there's class action suits."
EcoBoost engines are Ford's special type of engine that uses turbocharging to make cars faster while using less fuel. They are found in many Ford vehicles like trucks and Mustangs.
EcoBoost is a family of turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engines developed by Ford. These engines are designed to provide better fuel efficiency and performance compared to traditional engines.
"kind of the same problem on an escape. Escapes went through this, too. And I believe it was a 2-..."
The Ford Escape is a small SUV that is great for families and everyday use. Some versions have had problems, so it's a good idea to check which model year you're looking at before buying.
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers versatility and practicality for everyday driving. Some models, particularly those with specific engines, have faced issues related to reliability, making it important for potential buyers to research the particular year and engine type.
"Yeah, I believe you're a 2.3-liter turbo. But my point is a lot of this generation, it wasn't just a Mustang."
A 2.3-liter turbo engine is a type of engine that has a capacity of 2.3 liters and uses a turbocharger to boost its power. This allows the engine to produce more power while being smaller in size.
The 2.3-liter turbo refers to an engine displacement of 2.3 liters that is equipped with a turbocharger. Turbocharged engines are designed to increase power output without significantly increasing engine size.
"...in the casting of the cylinder head, as I understand it, created a defective head..."
The cylinder head is the part of the engine that covers the top. It helps with the engine's combustion process and has important parts like valves and spark plugs inside it.
The cylinder head is a critical component of an engine that sits on top of the engine block. It houses the combustion chamber and contains the valves and spark plugs, playing a key role in the engine's performance.
A turbocharger is a part that helps an engine produce more power by pushing extra air into it. This allows the engine to burn more fuel and run more efficiently.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and increasing the engine's power output. It uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which compresses the incoming air.
A warranty is a promise from the company that they will fix or replace parts of your car if they break within a certain time or distance. It protects you from having to pay for repairs yourself.
A warranty is a guarantee provided by the manufacturer or dealer that covers repairs or replacements for a specific period or mileage. It ensures that if something goes wrong, the costs are covered under certain conditions.
"...and get some sort of powertrain coverage. Ready? It's..."
Powertrain coverage is a type of warranty that helps pay for repairs to important parts of your car that help it run, like the engine and transmission. It's useful if those parts break down.
Powertrain coverage refers to a warranty that specifically covers the components that make the vehicle move, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. This type of coverage is crucial for protecting against expensive repairs.
"...my 2003 Cadillac has an oil leak. Only one? No, several."
An oil leak is when oil from the engine leaks out, which can cause problems for the car. It usually means something needs to be fixed to prevent damage to the engine.
An oil leak occurs when engine oil escapes from the engine, which can lead to reduced lubrication and potential engine damage if not addressed. It is often a sign of wear or damage to engine seals or gaskets.
"...ything from brand new just off the showroom floor corvettes to stuff pre-war."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car that many people admire for its speed and design. It has a long history, with different models that show how cars have changed over time.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a legendary sports car that represents American automotive performance and innovation. It has evolved over the years, with models ranging from classic pre-war designs to modern high-performance versions, making it a topic of interest for car collectors and enthusiasts.
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Like the song says, it's the most wonderful time of the year,
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