FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

How can it be determined that a reciprocating engine with a dry sump is pre-oiled sufficiently?

1. Noise from the engine indicates sufficient oil

2. Oil will flow from the engine return line or indicator port

3. Oil pressure gauge reads above normal levels

4. Engine temperature rises significantly

The correct answer is: Oil will flow from the engine return line or indicator port

Determining whether a reciprocating engine with a dry sump is sufficiently pre-oiled is crucial for ensuring proper engine lubrication and preventing damage during start-up. The correct choice, indicating that oil will flow from the engine return line or indicator port, is a reliable method for confirming that the engine has received adequate pre-oiling. In a dry sump system, oil is stored in a separate tank rather than in the crankcase, and it is pumped to the engine when needed. During the pre-oiling process, the engine’s oil pump circulates oil through the system, ensuring that all critical components, such as bearings and camshafts, are lubricated before the engine is started. When oil flows from the return line or indicator port, it demonstrates that oil is reaching all necessary components and that the system is adequately pre-oiled. This flow is visible evidence of lubrication being distributed throughout the engine. Other methods, such as noises from the engine, oil pressure gauge readings, or rises in engine temperature, are less direct indicators of pre-oiling. For instance, noise may suggest various conditions but is not a definitive measure of oil presence or distribution. Similarly, while a reading on the oil pressure gauge could indicate some level of oil flow, it doesn't specifically