Digest

The episode begins with Tom and Ray discussing suggestions from listeners, including the right to arm bears and the introduction of Medi-Car. They then receive a call from Chalice, who is experiencing brake problems with her '87 Toyota Tercelle. Tom diagnoses the issue as warped rotors or drums and estimates the cost of repair. The next caller, Chip, has a wheezing sound when he depresses the clutch in his 1993 Nissan Pathfinder, which Tom attributes to water damage and rust. He provides detailed instructions on how to fix the problem using grease and a rubber hose. The episode then transitions to a discussion about the SAT and its changing name to the "Moron Aptitude Test" due to declining scores. Tom and Ray share their experiences driving the Mustang GT convertible, the Z3 BMW, and the SL 320 Mercedes, with Tom finding the Mercedes seat uncomfortable. The episode concludes with the return of the puzzler, who presents a riddle about a toilet that has been running for 11 days. The episode also features a call from Bill, who used pantyhose to temporarily fix a broken belt tensioner, and Tom explains why the trick is less effective on modern cars with grooved belts.

Outlines

00:00:00

Right to Arm Bears and Medi-Car

This Chapter discusses suggestions from listeners, including the right to arm bears and the introduction of Medi-Car, a program to provide cars to those who need them for work.

00:00:29

Car Talk: Brake Problems and Warped Rotors

This Chapter features a call from Chalice, who is experiencing brake problems with her '87 Toyota Tercelle. Tom diagnoses the issue as warped rotors or drums and estimates the cost of repair.

00:07:20

Car Talk: Wheezing Clutch and Water Damage

This Chapter features a call from Chip, who has a wheezing sound when he depresses the clutch in his 1993 Nissan Pathfinder. Tom attributes the issue to water damage and rust and provides detailed instructions on how to fix the problem using grease and a rubber hose.

00:22:18

The Moron Aptitude Test and Car Reviews

This Chapter begins with a discussion about the SAT and its changing name to the "Moron Aptitude Test" due to declining scores. Tom and Ray share their experiences driving the Mustang GT convertible, the Z3 BMW, and the SL 320 Mercedes, with Tom finding the Mercedes seat uncomfortable.

00:27:46

The Puzzler Returns: The Running Toilet

This Chapter features the return of the puzzler, who presents a riddle about a toilet that has been running for 11 days. The episode also features a call from Bill, who used pantyhose to temporarily fix a broken belt tensioner, and Tom explains why the trick is less effective on modern cars with grooved belts.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the suggestions that Tom and Ray received from listeners?

  Listeners suggested the right to arm bears, the introduction of Medi-Car, and that Tom and Ray should bow out of the presidential race gracefully.

• What is the problem with Chalice's Toyota Tercelle?

  Chalice's car has warped rotors or drums, which is causing her brakes to be less effective and making the car shake.

• What is the problem with Chip's Nissan Pathfinder?

  Chip's Pathfinder has water damage in the clutch, causing a wheezing sound when he depresses the clutch.

• Why did the SAT change its name to the "Moron Aptitude Test"?

  This is a humorous suggestion made by Tom and Ray, who believe that the SAT is no longer a reliable measure of scholastic aptitude due to declining scores.

• What is the puzzler's riddle this week?

  The puzzler's riddle is about a toilet that has been running for 11 days, even though there is nothing wrong with the plumbing.

• Why did Bill's pantyhose trick work for a short time?

  The pantyhose trick worked because Bill's car had a V-belt, which is easier to hold in place with a stretchy material. Modern cars with grooved belts are more difficult to fix with this method.

• What are some of the cars that Tom and Ray have recently driven?

  Tom and Ray have recently driven the Mustang GT convertible, the Z3 BMW, and the SL 320 Mercedes.

• What is Linda's problem?

  Linda is experiencing separation anxiety over her father selling their family Rambler station wagon.

• What is the solution to Linda's problem?

  Tom and Ray suggest that Linda try aromatherapy to recapture the sensory memories of the Rambler, or that she and her brothers pool their money to buy the car back.

• What is the best way to approach the teenage boy who now owns the Rambler?

  Tom and Ray suggest that Linda not appear too enthusiastic and try to make the offer seem like she is trying to help the boy out of a bad situation.

Show Notes