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Engine Cooling Systems: Powerplant practice questions

Five original questions on engine cooling systems, each with the answer, an explanation and an FAA-H-8083-32B page reference.

1. What is the most common means of controlling reciprocating engine cooling?
  1. Cowl flaps
  2. Oil dilution
  3. Mixture enrichment only
Show answer

A. Cowl flaps They are moved by electric jackscrews, hydraulics or manually.

Reference: FAA-H-8083-32B, Ch. 6, p. 6-33

2. What is a drawback of extending cowl flaps?
  1. They produce drag
  2. They lower oil pressure
  3. They richen the mixture
Show answer

A. They produce drag They increase cooling at the cost of drag.

Reference: FAA-H-8083-32B, Ch. 6, p. 6-33

3. Typical cylinder cooling fins taper from what base thickness to what tip thickness?
  1. 0.090 in to 0.060 in
  2. 0.250 in to 0.125 in
  3. 0.030 in to 0.010 in
Show answer

A. 0.090 in to 0.060 in Some areas of the head need more fin area than others.

Reference: FAA-H-8083-32B, Ch. 1, p. 1-15

4. How has fin cooling area been increased in modern air-cooled engines?
  1. Thinner, deeper fins
  2. Fewer, thicker fins
  3. Painting the fins black
Show answer

A. Thinner, deeper fins Thinner, deeper fins give more area.

Reference: FAA-H-8083-32B, Ch. 1, p. 1-15

5. Using exhaust ejectors for cooling can eliminate what?
  1. Controllable cowl flaps
  2. The oil cooler
  3. Baffles
Show answer

A. Controllable cowl flaps Ejectors assure adequate cooling at all operating speeds.

Reference: FAA-H-8083-32B, Ch. 6, p. 6-34

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What does the Powerplant test cover on engine cooling systems?

The Aviation Mechanic Powerplant ACS lists engine cooling systems as one of its areas. The FAA reference for this material is FAA-H-8083-32B.