Question 70 UFIV01 - Chief Engineer - UFIV

The Correct Answer is A. **Why Option A is Correct:** The sudden sounding of a low lube oil pressure alarm on a running engine signals a critical failure of the lubrication system. Lubrication is essential to prevent metal-on-metal contact between high-speed moving parts (like bearings, pistons, and journals). If the pressure drops, the protective oil film is lost, and immediate, catastrophic damage (such as seizing or bearing failure) will occur very quickly. The only appropriate initial response is to stop the engine immediately to prevent this irreparable damage. Investigation and corrective action must only be attempted after the engine has been secured. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **B) Immediately add make-up oil or service lube oil coolers, strainers, and filters, as appropriate.** While these actions might be necessary, they take time and require the engine to be safely secured first. Attempting to service components or add oil while the engine is running without pressure means the engine is still suffering damage. The immediate priority is stopping the damage, not fixing the cause while the damage continues. * **C) Reduce the load and speed on the engine and continue to monitor the oil pressure.** Reducing load and speed might slightly delay failure, but it does not resolve the lack of lubrication and will not prevent damage. The engine is still running and being destroyed. Low lube oil pressure requires an immediate stop, not a cautious continuation. * **D) Monitor closely oil pressures, temperatures, and levels while continuing to run the engine.** This is similar to option C but even more dangerous. Continuing to run and simply monitor guarantees that serious, costly, or permanent damage will occur, as monitoring does not restore the required oil pressure.