FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

Which engine servicing operation typically requires pre-oiling before starting the engine?

1. Fuel system inspection

2. Engine installation

3. Cooling system check

4. Oil filter replacement

The correct answer is: Engine installation

Pre-oiling an engine before starting it is an important step in engine maintenance, particularly during engine installation. This process involves circulating oil through the engine components prior to the first start-up after installation. Doing this helps to ensure that critical engine components, such as bearings and oil galleries, are lubricated properly to minimize wear and prevent damage during initial operation. When an engine is installed, the oil pump may not be able to circulate oil adequately until the engine is started. Pre-oiling mitigates this risk by flooding the engine’s internal lubrication system with oil, allowing for proper lubrication as soon as the engine starts. While fuel system inspection, cooling system checks, and oil filter replacement are important maintenance tasks, they do not inherently require the pre-oiling step prior to engine start-up. Each of those tasks has its own set of procedures and considerations, but they are not directly related to the initial lubrication of the engine after installation. Thus, pre-oiling is uniquely associated with the engine installation process.