FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

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Prepare for the FAA Powerplant Written Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Practice this question and more.

What do gray streaks on an exhaust system typically indicate?

Fuel leaks within the system.
Corrosion of engine components.
Misalignment of exhaust system components.
Insufficient thermal insulation.

The correct answer is: Misalignment of exhaust system components.

Gray streaks on an exhaust system are indicative of misalignment of exhaust system components. This misalignment can cause improper sealing and lead to the creation of streaks due to exhaust gases escaping at joint interfaces or where components are not connected properly. As these gases escape, they can leave behind a carbon or soot residue, which appears as gray streaks. Understanding this helps in the inspection and maintenance of an aircraft's exhaust system. When these gray streaks are observed, it raises a flag for the maintenance personnel to investigate the alignment and connections of the exhaust components. Addressing misalignment not only improves the performance of the exhaust system but also helps reduce the potential risk of overheating or damaging other engine components due to improper gas flow.