FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

What should be done prior to checking the oil level on a dry sump engine?

1. Warm up the engine thoroughly

2. Turn the propeller several times

3. Check for oil leaks

4. Remove the oil drain plug

The correct answer is: Turn the propeller several times

Prior to checking the oil level on a dry sump engine, it is essential to turn the propeller several times. This action helps circulate the oil within the system and ensures that the oil is distributed throughout the oil passages and components. In a dry sump system, the oil is stored in an external reservoir rather than directly in the crankcase, making it important to accurately assess the oil level after the oil has had the chance to return to the tank. Warming up the engine thoroughly can cause the oil to expand, potentially leading to an inaccurate reading if checked immediately after. Checking for oil leaks is indeed a good practice, but it does not directly affect the process of checking the oil level. Removing the oil drain plug is unnecessary prior to checking the level, as this would typically be part of an oil change procedure rather than a routine oil level check.