[Sage]

Excellent point, FGM!
Would it be that big a deal to have a functional oil can as an inventory item? And furthermore to require that a given machine be oiled at a certain number of locations before it is operable?
Since many mechanical devices in adventure games appear to have remained abandoned and unused for long periods of time, the requirement of a little lubrication seems only logical.
Another suggestion might be that one be required to replace dry-rotted rubber components such as hoses or belts. This certainly happens in the real world, and having to do so in an adventure game would add verisimilitude.