Which instrument is used to determine if the GE engine is properly primed?

Which instrument is used to determine if the GE engine is properly primed?

• A. Bubble-Type Sight Glass
• B. Fuel Tank Gauge
• C. Piston Travel Gauge
• D. Fuel Pressure Gauge

Answer: (D)

Priming a GE engine relies on confirming that fuel is actually being delivered to the engine at the correct pressure. The fuel pressure gauge directly measures the pressure in the fuel system, so it tells you whether the pump and lines are delivering fuel consistently during priming and that the pressure is within the specified range for starting. If the pressure is too low or unstable, fuel may not reach the combustor properly, leading to hard starts or no start. Other instruments don’t provide that direct confirmation. A bubble-type sight glass might show air or fuel in a line visually, but it doesn’t quantify pressure or ensure proper delivery. A fuel tank gauge tells you how much fuel is in the tank, not how much is reaching the engine. A piston travel gauge measures mechanical movement in piston engines, which isn’t applicable to priming a GE engine, especially if it’s a gas turbine.

Priming a GE engine relies on confirming that fuel is actually being delivered to the engine at the correct pressure. The fuel pressure gauge directly measures the pressure in the fuel system, so it tells you whether the pump and lines are delivering fuel consistently during priming and that the pressure is within the specified range for starting. If the pressure is too low or unstable, fuel may not reach the combustor properly, leading to hard starts or no start.

Other instruments don’t provide that direct confirmation. A bubble-type sight glass might show air or fuel in a line visually, but it doesn’t quantify pressure or ensure proper delivery. A fuel tank gauge tells you how much fuel is in the tank, not how much is reaching the engine. A piston travel gauge measures mechanical movement in piston engines, which isn’t applicable to priming a GE engine, especially if it’s a gas turbine.