Well I just reread Vineland and the news is still bad...

[robinlandseadel at comcast.net]

          Ya Sam:
          Robin:  overheated catalytic convertor

          I will steal this euphemism, if you don't mind.

No problemo, I stole it from "The Sopranos" finale: AJ's extolling 
the virtues of "It's All Right Ma, I'm Only Bleeding" while getting it on 
with some Collegiate Goomah, notices smoke coming out of the air 
vents and tumbles out of the now flaming SUV. Good scene.