🔍 Key Concepts

• Lubrication path in a reciprocating air compressor and where oil can physically enter the air stream • Relationship between piston rings condition and oil control in any reciprocating machine (engines, compressors) • Difference between cooler leaks/unloader defects versus mechanical wear in moving parts

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: Which component, if it fails, most directly allows lube oil to move from where it is supposed to stay into the compression space and then be carried away? • Think about what a leak in an intercooler or aftercooler would do: would that add oil use, lose air, or change temperature? • Consider which part’s job is specifically to scrape and control oil on the cylinder wall in a reciprocating machine.

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which choice names a part that directly seals between the piston and cylinder wall. • Eliminate any options that mainly affect air temperature or pressure rather than oil control. • Verify which listed defect would most reasonably cause oil to be carried out with the discharged air, not just a change in air cooling.