Question 606Steam Plants - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is C) Reduction gear damage. The presence of an excessive amount of metal particles on the main engine lube oil strainer magnet indicates that there is some form of internal engine component wear or damage. In the case of a marine diesel engine, the most likely source of this metal contamination would be the reduction gear, which is responsible for transmitting the engine's power to the propeller shaft. Damage or excessive wear to the reduction gear's gears, bearings, or other internal components can lead to the generation of metal particles that will be detected in the lube oil. The other options, while potentially valid in other situations, are less likely to be the cause of this specific observation. Turbine shrouding damage (A) and journal bearing damage (D) are more common in steam turbine or gas turbine applications, not typical marine diesel engines. Main shaft bearing damage (B) is possible, but the reduction gear is a more likely source of the metal contamination in this case.