FAA Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP)Turbine EnginesEasy
A technician removes a turbine engine's magnetic chip detector plug during scheduled maintenance. What is the primary purpose of this component?
- ATo measure oil pressure at the bearing sumps
- BTo cool the oil before it returns to the tank
- CTo filter debris from fuel before it reaches the fuel nozzles
- DTo attract and collect ferrous metal particles suspended in the oil, providing early warning of internal component wear
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To attract and collect ferrous metal particles suspended in the oil, providing early warning of internal component wear
A magnetic chip detector is installed in the oil system (often in the scavenge line or sump) to capture ferrous metal particles produced by wear or impending failure of bearings, gears, or splines. Inspecting it for chips or fuzz gives early warning of developing internal problems before catastrophic failure occurs.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Oil pressure is measured by a pressure transmitter/sensor, not the chip detector.
- B. Cooling is performed by the oil cooler, not the chip detector.
- C. Fuel filtration is a separate system unrelated to the oil-system chip detector.
Magnetic Chip Detector
A magnetized plug installed in a turbine engine's oil system to collect ferrous metal particles, serving as an early indicator of bearing or gear wear.
- Located in scavenge lines or sumps
- Some are electrically monitored (chip detector light in cockpit)
- Fine fuzz may be normal wear; large chips indicate a developing failure
Memory trick: The chip detector is a magnet fishing for metal trouble in the oil.