Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam

Which action is least advisable if the temperature of a bearing increases above normal?

1. Decrease the supply of oil

2. Increase the supply of oil by increasing oil temperature

3. Inspect for excessive wear

4. Shutdown the equipment immediately

The correct answer is: Increase the supply of oil by increasing oil temperature

Increasing the supply of oil by raising oil temperature is least advisable when a bearing's temperature is already elevated. When a bearing is running hotter than normal, it generally signals potential issues such as lubrication failure, excessive load, or misalignment. By increasing the temperature of the oil, you may further exacerbate the problem, as hotter oil can decrease its viscosity, leading to inadequate lubrication and increasing wear and tear on the bearing. Instead, appropriate actions would typically involve either decreasing the supply of oil to help cool the bearing down, inspecting for signs of wear to identify the cause of the overheating, or even shutting down the equipment to prevent any further damage. These options actively address the increased temperature and attempt to stabilize or improve the bearing's condition, rather than potentially worsening it through increased oil temperature.