Question 387Steam Plants - 1st Asst/Chief

You are correct, the answer is A) Reduction gear damage. The presence of an excessive amount of metal particles on the main engine lube oil strainer magnet can indicate reduction gear damage. The reduction gear is responsible for transmitting power from the main engine to the propeller shaft, and excessive wear or damage to the reduction gear components can lead to the release of metal particles into the lube oil system. The other options are incorrect because main shaft bearing damage, journal bearing damage, and turbine shrouding damage would not necessarily be the primary cause of excessive metal particles on the lube oil strainer magnet. These issues would typically have different symptoms and indications.