crankcase

noun

crank·​case ˈkraŋk-ˌkās How to pronounce crankcase (audio)
: the housing of a crankshaft

Examples of crankcase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Related Stories The Best Zero-Turn Mowers of 2023 The Best Tools of 2023 Test Run the Mower Check the mower’s dip stick to be sure that there’s sufficient oil in the crankcase. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 17 Mar. 2023 Maintenance should include checking the components, lubricating fans and motors, tightening or changing belts, testing the capacitors and crankcase heater, and calibrating the thermostat. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2023 Pro is powered by an all-new 997-cc mill with a crankcase fully machined from a single billet of aluminum. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2022 The crankcase is composed of two light-alloy castings bolted together on the crank centerline. Car and Driver, 27 Jan. 2023 Chevy engineers even ramped up the oiling system’s vacuum pressure, which reduces not only oil aeration but also minimizes wind resistance for moving parts inside the crankcase. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2022 According to the lawsuit, filed in 2016, General Motors’ Vortec 5300 engine had defective piston rings that failed to keep oil in the crankcase and allowed excessive burning and buildup on engine surfaces. Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Oct. 2022 Almost no automaker recommends that oil should be left in the crankcase for more than one year—no matter the mileage. Jack Keebler, Car and Driver, 26 Apr. 2022 The block has what GM calls a dedicated lower crankcase. Tony Quiroga, Car and Driver, 26 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crankcase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crankcase was circa 1878

Dictionary Entries Near crankcase

Cite this Entry

“Crankcase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crankcase. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

crankcase

noun
crank·​case ˈkraŋk-ˌkās How to pronounce crankcase (audio)
: the covering of a crankshaft

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