Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - September 6, 2025 - Hour 2 - OverHeating, Clutches & Carbon Cleaning: Quick Diagnoses, Smart Maintenance - (855)560-9900 24/ 7 Hotline
About this episode
Ron Ananian tackles a variety of automotive issues in this episode, focusing on quick diagnoses and smart maintenance strategies. Listeners call in with problems ranging from overheating engines to clutch replacements and steering play in vehicles. Ron emphasizes the importance of thorough diagnostics and regular maintenance, offering practical advice on parts and services. He also discusses the significance of building a relationship with a trusted mechanic and shares insights on the latest automotive technologies and services.
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor
Fast phones this hour: real overheat triage, clutch/flywheel choices, steering play sanity check, BG carbon service for DI, modern sludge cures, and value axles.
Chapter Markers
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00:00 – Open / Tease
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00:58 – Mark (Bronx) – Sudden Overheat, 4-cyl Honda
Steam + gauge pinned = real overheat. Don’t drive; tow. Check thermostat/coolant/pump; rule out head gasket. Pull codes & vitals. -
07:29 – Alan (MD) – ’99 Sentra Clutch
Start OE or LUK. Machine shops scarce—consider kit with flywheel. Inspect rear main & PCV while in there. -
11:48 – Quick Note
Mitchell1 award mention. -
12:21 – Frank (DE) – ’16 Silverado Steering Play
Get true alignment (proper gear, printout); inspect for looseness.
16:07 – PM: DI Carbon – GM recommends BG fuel service; use bgfindashop.com. -
19:12 – Kent (ME) – ’08 Wrangler 3.8 Tick/Ping ~2k
Likely carbon/valvetrain age. Start with BG clean, plugs, full baseline; pay for diagnosis. -
27:03 – Alex (IA) – Drop the Pan?
Modern engines: use chemistry, not pan pulls. Stiction Eliminator example; 5k oil/quality filter. -
32:16 – Mailbag – ’07 Accord Axles (200k)
Skip pricey OE; Advance/Carquest new axles = solid value/fit.
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Follow the wrench – Instagram @ronananian for shop life & behind-the-scenes
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Watch & learn – Auto repair tips & videos on our YouTube Channel
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Got a car question? Call the Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 – (855) 560-9900
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Porsche Cayman
".... I read about this guy who bought a 2020 Porsche Cayman that was well-loved."
Nissan Sentra
"You're very welcome. It's a 99 Nissan Sentra basic vehicle, 278,000 miles."
Jeep Wrangler
"What do you got? Well, I got a 2008 Jeep Wrangler, 145,000 on it. It's a stick shift."
Ford Ranger
"...ct. I had a, I had a valve tick in my little shop ranger forever. Everything I tried, nothing got rid of i..."
Honda Accord
".... Hey, Ron, I need drive shafts for my 2007 Honda Accord. 200,000 miles."
Ford Bronco
"...n weiner, donks gone wild? Or chased down a white Bronco before legged kind? It's all happening in the new..."
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