Tom and Ray share wisdom from kids.
Molly Cunningham , Pennsylvania - 1995 Nissan Altima
When she lets up the clutch she hears a noise; it sounds like a muffled cowbell or a spoon against a coffee can. Guys think it's a bad motor mount or a loose joint on front flex pipe. She can test the clutch herself, but it may be better to take it in--mechanic should find it quickly.
Andy Reayellears Seattle, Washington - 1986 Mazda Pickup
He blew several radiator hoses, and cooked the engine and now has to replace the head--found one in a junkyard for $30. Can he do the job himself? Guys say he should go for it, but should try doing the rings at the same time.
Jim Davis Cambridge , Massachusetts -
He's a chemist who wanted to follow-up with Kay's call in episode 1036 about using Dr. Pepper instead of Coke on a corroded battery. He did some lab tests and found Dr. Pepper should work as well as Coke. Phosphoric acid is the key ingredient.
Kathleen Speed , Washington - Subaru
She was driving home, when she started smelling smoke, and found the front passenger wheel hub burning. Her husband thinks it's the car's hill hold malfunctioning. Guys disagree--since it's only one wheel, it's more likely a brake problem on that wheel--a frozen or stuck caliper.
Steve George Amherst, Massachusetts - 1993 Eagle Summit
When he turns steering wheel to left, the side electric passenger side view mirror starts to twitch--about once per second. If he turns hard right, it stops. The problem could be in the switch, or a bad relay, or a chafed wire from the tranny or linkage that's causing the circuit to ground.
Janet Doherty Gustavus, Arkansas -
In her small town, people stop and talk to each other. Is it better for car to let it idle, or shut it off? It depends on the age of car--if they have carburetors, it's better to shut them off after about 5 minutes. More modern cars would be fine to keep running.
Max Bauermeister , North Carolina - Ford Mustang
A local quarry has a Mustang in it- if he fishes it out, is there a chance it will run? Likely won't be rusted--no oxygen under water, but it will rust quickly once it hits land, so he shouldn't let it sit, and lube everything immediately.