Car Talk #2533: Listener Mailbag and Car Troubles

Listener Support and Civility

• 💌 A listener named Tom Burke writes in to defend Tom and Ray against rude letter writers, urging for more civility in communication.
• 👏 Tom and Ray appreciate the kind words, humorously noting that being called "stupid and obnoxious" might be an improvement.

Isuzu Pickup Maintenance Light

• 💡 Kevin from Tallahassee called about his 1991 Isuzu pickup truck's O2 sensor light staying on after replacing the sensor.
• 🚗 The hosts explain that the light is likely a mileage-based maintenance reminder and not related to the O2 sensor itself.
• 🛠️ They suggest looking for a reset button under the dash or a wire to unplug, offering to research the specific location via email.

Ford Explorer Roar

• 🔊 Susan from North Carolina describes a loud "roar" or "jet engine roar" from her 1991 Ford Explorer when starting it in the morning.
• ⚙️ The hosts diagnose this as a faulty fan clutch that is engaging at full speed unnecessarily, causing the noise.
• 💰 They advise that while a replacement is available, Susan can live with the noise to save money, suggesting she spend the repair cost on something enjoyable.

Oil Consumption in F-150

• ⛽ Rob from Arizona is experiencing significant oil consumption in his 1987 Ford F-150 with a swapped engine.
• 🔍 Despite checking for leaks and having good compression, the oil is disappearing rapidly, leading the hosts to suspect burning oil.
• 🧪 They discuss the controversial theory of using kerosene to clean oil rings, warning of potential engine damage but acknowledging it sometimes works.

Dodge Power Wagon Fire Incident

• 🔥 Elizabeth from California recounts an incident where her 1977 Dodge Power Wagon caught fire briefly when her "scientist pseudo spouse" tried to start it with gasoline.
• 🚗 The fire, ignited by a backfire through the carburetor, is deemed unrelated to the truck's original starting issue (likely a weak battery and fuel pump problem).
• 💡 The hosts advise her to use a smaller amount of gasoline to prime the carburetor and to have a fire extinguisher ready.

Discussion on Professional Titles

• 🎓 A letter from Bill Wolf discusses the use of the title "Dr." by PhDs, arguing it should be reserved for medical physicians.
• 🩺 Tom and Ray agree, suggesting that only those who work with blood (physicians, dentists, veterinarians) should use the title "Doctor."