AMP - Aviation Maintenance Technician Powerplant Practice Exam

How do fuel additives enhance engine performance?

1. By increasing engine weight and balance

2. By improving combustion efficiency, preventing corrosion, and reducing deposits

3. By altering the engine's stroke length

4. By increasing the temperature of the fuel mixture

The correct answer is: By improving combustion efficiency, preventing corrosion, and reducing deposits

Fuel additives play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of engines through various mechanisms. The correct response highlights three key benefits: improving combustion efficiency, preventing corrosion, and reducing deposits. Improving combustion efficiency means that the fuel burns more completely and efficiently, leading to better energy output and reduced waste. This can enhance power generation while also improving fuel economy. Preventing corrosion is vital because fuel systems can be susceptible to deterioration due to moisture and other contaminants. Additives can create a protective barrier, thereby extending the life of fuel system components and ensuring reliable operation. Reducing deposits is important as carbon build-up can significantly impact engine performance. Additives can help to clean injectors and combustion chambers, preventing the negative effects of these deposits such as reduced airflow and less efficient combustion. The other choices do not directly contribute to engine performance in the same comprehensive way. Increasing engine weight and balance could negatively affect performance instead of enhancing it. Altering the engine's stroke length pertains to mechanical design rather than fuel performance. Increasing the temperature of the fuel mixture could lead to instability and potential engine damage rather than improving performance. Thus, the comprehensive benefits offered by fuel additives, as described in the correct answer, support effective engine performance.