FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

What is used on most turbine engines to monitor engine wear potentially indicating internal problems?

1. Oil pressure gauges

2. Magnetic chip detectors at key oil scavenge locations

3. Temperature sensors

4. Vibration analyzers

The correct answer is: Magnetic chip detectors at key oil scavenge locations

The monitoring of engine wear in turbine engines is primarily accomplished through the use of magnetic chip detectors located at key oil scavenge points. These detectors are designed to sense the presence of metallic particles in the engine oil, which can indicate abnormal wear or the onset of internal problems within the engine. When metal particles, which are byproducts of wear, enter the oil system, the magnetic chip detector captures them, providing valuable data about the condition of the engine. The accumulation of such particles may signal the deterioration of engine components, allowing for proactive maintenance actions to address potential failures. While oil pressure gauges, temperature sensors, and vibration analyzers provide critical information regarding the general operation and condition of an engine, they are not specifically designed to detect engine wear or internal problems. Oil pressure gauges monitor the system’s pressure, temperature sensors track the thermal state of engine components, and vibration analyzers assess mechanical stability and balance. However, none of these directly indicate the presence of wear-related debris, making magnetic chip detectors the more effective choice for monitoring internal engine health in this context.