#2444: The Breath of God
1Digest
This episode of Car Talk features a caller from Maine who has a 1957 Metropolitan that stalls when she drives it. The caller's husband, a body man who restores cars, has replaced the engine, but the stalling issue persists. The caller describes an encounter with a man who claimed to be a minister and who fixed the stalling issue by blowing into the gas tank. The hosts, Click and Clack, initially dismiss this solution as absurd, but then they delve into the mechanics of gas tanks and explain how a non-vented gas cap could create a vacuum that prevents the fuel pump from working properly. They suggest that the caller try replacing the gas cap as a potential solution to the stalling problem. The episode also includes a segment on the week's puzzler, a story about two chemistry students who try to get out of taking an exam by claiming they had a flat tire. The hosts discuss the possible solution to the puzzler, which involves determining which tire had the flat tire. The episode concludes with a call from a listener in Victoria, British Columbia, who had his 1984 Honda Accord stolen and recovered two years later. The hosts provide advice on how to start a car that has been sitting for an extended period, emphasizing the importance of draining the old gas and lubricating the engine before attempting to start it.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the hosts, Click and Clack, and the show's premise. They are broadcasting from the Denomination Division of Card Talk Plaza and discuss a previous call from a listener named Linda who was seeking advice on a 34-year-old New Yorker. The hosts reveal that the New Yorker was actually their producer, Doug E. Burman, and that Linda and Doug have since married. They also mention that they officiated the wedding ceremony and that Doug was penalized for tripping during the ceremony.
Caller's Car Problem
This Chapter features a call from Althea, a listener from Hartland, Maine, who has a 1957 Metropolitan that stalls when she drives it. Althea's husband, a body man who restores cars, has replaced the engine, but the stalling issue persists. Althea describes an encounter with a man who claimed to be a minister and who fixed the stalling issue by blowing into the gas tank. The hosts, Click and Clack, initially dismiss this solution as absurd, but then they delve into the mechanics of gas tanks and explain how a non-vented gas cap could create a vacuum that prevents the fuel pump from working properly. They suggest that Althea try replacing the gas cap as a potential solution to the stalling problem.
Puzzler
This Chapter features the week's puzzler, a story about two chemistry students who try to get out of taking an exam by claiming they had a flat tire. The hosts discuss the possible solution to the puzzler, which involves determining which tire had the flat tire. The winner of the puzzler is announced as Carol Blomberg from Nash Walk, Minnesota, and her prize is a Car Talk CD.
Caller's Stolen Car
This Chapter features a call from Nick, a listener from Victoria, British Columbia, who had his 1984 Honda Accord stolen and recovered two years later. The hosts provide advice on how to start a car that has been sitting for an extended period, emphasizing the importance of draining the old gas and lubricating the engine before attempting to start it.
Caller's Transmission Problem
This Chapter features a call from Stephanie, a listener from Ashland, Oregon, who has a 1979 Volvo station wagon that makes a growling noise when she shifts from first to second gear. The hosts discuss the possibility of a bad center bearing or universal joints causing the noise, and they advise Stephanie to have those components checked. They also suggest that she change the transmission oil.
Caller's Maple Syrup Spill
This Chapter features a call from John, a listener from Saxon's River, Vermont, who spilled maple syrup all over the back of his Toyota station wagon. The hosts offer advice on how to clean up the syrup, suggesting that John use a garden hose with a soapy solution to blast the syrup out of the seat belt housing.
Outro
This Chapter concludes the episode with the hosts thanking the listeners and providing information on how to order cassette copies of the show.
Keywords
Car Talk
Car Talk is a long-running American radio program hosted by brothers Tom and Ray Magliozzi, known as Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers. The show features callers with car problems, and the hosts provide humorous and informative advice. Car Talk is known for its witty banter, quirky characters, and practical advice on car maintenance and repair.
Metropolitan
The Metropolitan is a small, two-door, four-passenger car that was produced by the American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1954 to 1961. It was known for its compact size, fuel efficiency, and affordability. The Metropolitan was a popular choice for city dwellers and commuters.
Gas Cap
A gas cap is a device that seals the fuel tank of a vehicle, preventing fuel from spilling and fumes from escaping. Gas caps can be vented or non-vented. Vented gas caps have a small hole that allows air to enter the tank as fuel is used, preventing a vacuum from forming. Non-vented gas caps do not have this hole, and they can cause problems if the tank is not properly vented.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mid-size car that has been produced by Honda since 1976. It is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. The Accord is one of the best-selling cars in the United States and is popular among families and commuters.
Volvo Station Wagon
The Volvo station wagon is a type of car that is known for its safety, durability, and spacious interior. Volvo station wagons are popular among families and people who need a vehicle that can carry a lot of cargo. The Volvo station wagon is a classic car that has been produced for many years.
Center Bearing
A center bearing is a type of bearing that supports the driveshaft of a vehicle. The center bearing is located in the middle of the driveshaft, and it helps to reduce vibration and noise. A bad center bearing can cause the driveshaft to vibrate, which can lead to noise and other problems.
Universal Joint
A universal joint, also known as a U-joint, is a type of joint that allows two shafts to connect at an angle. Universal joints are used in vehicles to connect the driveshaft to the axles. A bad universal joint can cause the driveshaft to vibrate, which can lead to noise and other problems.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a sweet, viscous liquid that is produced from the sap of maple trees. It is a popular sweetener in North America and is often used on pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast foods. Maple syrup is also used in baking and as a glaze for meats.
Toyota Station Wagon
The Toyota station wagon is a type of car that is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. Toyota station wagons are popular among families and people who need a vehicle that can carry a lot of cargo. The Toyota station wagon is a classic car that has been produced for many years.
Seat Belt
A seat belt is a safety device that is used to restrain passengers in a vehicle in the event of a crash. Seat belts are typically made of webbing and are attached to the vehicle's frame. Seat belts are designed to prevent passengers from being ejected from the vehicle or from being thrown around inside the vehicle during a crash.
Q&A
What is the caller's car problem?
The caller's 1957 Metropolitan stalls when she drives it, even after her husband replaced the engine.
What is the possible solution to the caller's car problem?
The hosts suggest that the caller try replacing the gas cap, as a non-vented gas cap could be creating a vacuum that prevents the fuel pump from working properly.
What is the puzzler this week?
The puzzler is about two chemistry students who try to get out of taking an exam by claiming they had a flat tire. The hosts ask listeners to guess which tire had the flat tire.
What advice do the hosts give to the caller whose car was stolen and recovered?
The hosts advise the caller to drain the old gas, lubricate the engine, and then try to start the car. They also warn that there is a small chance that the engine could be damaged if the rings have frozen to the cylinder walls.
What is the caller's transmission problem?
The caller's Volvo station wagon makes a growling noise when she shifts from first to second gear.
What is the possible solution to the caller's transmission problem?
The hosts suggest that the caller have the center bearing and universal joints checked, as well as change the transmission oil.
What is the caller's maple syrup problem?
The caller spilled maple syrup all over the back of his Toyota station wagon, and it got into the seat belt housing.
What is the solution to the caller's maple syrup problem?
The hosts suggest that the caller use a garden hose with a soapy solution to blast the syrup out of the seat belt housing.
Show Notes
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