m-mman Posted November 22, 2018 Share Posted November 22, 2018 Two old postcards showing businesses that are offering free 'crankcase service' to travelers. What exactly are they offering? I cant imagine that they are going to change the oil for free (or top it off) and it seems unlikely that they would remove or clean a pan for free. Perhaps this is just an old expression for 'checking the oil' level? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted November 22, 2018 Share Posted November 22, 2018 Probably a way of saying they would check the oil and add some if needed would be my guess. They might also check for oil large oil leaks. Those are great postcards to own too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PFitz Posted November 22, 2018 Share Posted November 22, 2018 It might mean,.... Before the days when detergent oils became more common, some auto service manuals recommend draining the used oil, fill the crankcase with kerosene and run the engine to clean any sludge accumulation, then drain kero and sludge and fill with fresh oil. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pfeil Posted November 22, 2018 Share Posted November 22, 2018 I always thought this was part of a oil change, but it could mean cleaning the breather caps and the road draft tube filter ( some cars have those ) and after cleaning them in solvent they are filled with motor oil and then turned over and drip dry. The oil residue clings to the wire mesh and dirt in the airstream clings to the mesh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_padavano Posted November 23, 2018 Share Posted November 23, 2018 Most likely it was an "inspection" that was guaranteed to find some other "problem" that required immediate, expensive repairs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 23, 2018 Share Posted November 23, 2018 21 minutes ago, joe_padavano said: Most likely it was an "inspection" that was guaranteed to find some other "problem" that required immediate, expensive repairs. Just like some current dealerships and service shops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_padavano Posted November 23, 2018 Share Posted November 23, 2018 Actually, the "crankcase and battery service" in the first photo sounds like topping off water and oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted November 23, 2018 Share Posted November 23, 2018 Checking things and battery water was free, all other materials and added labor could be purchased. Photo from SHORPY.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted November 23, 2018 Share Posted November 23, 2018 Wonder if it meant they would change your oil "free" if you paid for the oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m-mman Posted November 23, 2018 Author Share Posted November 23, 2018 (edited) Maybe in the days before dipsticks (Model T?) it meant that they would crawl under and open the petcocks? But many cars had the 'floats and gauges' and not even a dipstick . . . These are pictures of business that were in the middle of nowhere and catered to people who were just passing through. Are there images of providing crankcase service to residents who would return to your business again? The San Bernardino Auto Camp bragged that they had running water and hot & cold showers(!) Deluxe indeed! Edited November 23, 2018 by m-mman (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted November 23, 2018 Share Posted November 23, 2018 They had an ice depot. Back then, that might mean no fridge, just an ice box. People might also have been picky about their fuel brand: they had "Standard brands of gasoline and oil". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArticiferTom Posted November 23, 2018 Share Posted November 23, 2018 19 hours ago, Tinindian said: 20 hours ago, joe_padavano said: Most likely it was an "inspection" that was guaranteed to find some other "problem" that required immediate, expensive repairs. Just like some current dealerships and service shops. Yes , but now a days they do not offer cabins to stay . Richfield had all bases covered LOL !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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