SkyDrill

What magnetic chip detectors capture

Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) practice question 9 of 9 on Engine Lubrication Systems. ACS element AM.III.G.K5 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhat do magnetic chip detectors installed in an engine oil system detect and catch?

  1. ACarbon and sludge deposits
  2. BFerrous (magnetic) particles
  3. CAluminum and other nonferrous chips
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Ferrous (magnetic) particles

  • A — incorrect Carbon and sludge are nonmagnetic and are removed by filters and screens, not attracted to a magnetic detector.
  • B — correct Magnetic chip detectors are used in the oil system to detect and catch ferrous, that is magnetic, particles present in the oil.
  • C — incorrect Nonferrous metals such as aluminum are not magnetic and will not stick to a chip detector; they are found by filter inspection or oil analysis.

BACKGROUND

Magnetic chip detectors are placed in the oil system to detect and catch ferrous, or magnetic, particles carried in the oil. Scavenge oil generally flows past the detectors so that magnetic particles are attracted and stick to them. Detectors are located in several places, generally in the scavenge lines for each scavenge pump, in the oil tank, and in the oil sumps, and some engines use several detectors while others use one. During maintenance the chip detectors are removed from the engine and inspected for metal; if none is found, the detector is cleaned, reinstalled, and safety wired. If metal is found on a chip detector, an investigation should be made to find the source of the metal.

STUDY TIP

Tie the location of a detector to the part of the engine it monitors, since scavenge lines, tank, and sumps each drain different sections. Remember that finding metal is a signal to investigate the source, not simply to clean and reinstall.

KEY POINTS

  • Magnetic chip detectors catch ferrous (magnetic) particles in the oil.
  • They are generally located in scavenge lines, the oil tank, and the oil sumps.
  • Clean, reinstall, and safety wire a clean detector; investigate the source whenever metal is found.

SOURCES

  • sources/amp-powerplant/ch06.txt "Magnetic Chip Detectors"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) test →Timed 100-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON ENGINE LUBRICATION SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-32B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Powerplant, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.