AMP - Aviation Maintenance Technician Powerplant Practice Exam

What is the primary function of the oil filter in an aircraft engine?

1. To cool the engine oil during high performance

2. To remove contaminants and protect engine components

3. To circulate oil at higher pressures

4. To modify the viscosity of engine oil

The correct answer is: To remove contaminants and protect engine components

The primary function of the oil filter in an aircraft engine is to remove contaminants and protect engine components. Engine oil plays a critical role in lubricating the moving parts of the engine, but over time, it can accumulate dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants that can cause wear and damage. The oil filter works by trapping these impurities as the oil circulates through it, thus ensuring that only clean oil flows through the engine components. This filtering process helps to maintain engine performance and longevity by preventing potential wear caused by abrasives in the oil, thereby safeguarding critical engine components from damage and failure. While engine oil cooling, pressure management, and viscosity modification are important aspects of engine operation, they are not the main purpose of the oil filter itself. The oil filter is specifically designed to contribute to the cleanliness of the oil and thus the overall health of the engine.