Red Seal Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Practice Exam

Where are the oil spots likely to appear if there's a leak?

1. On the machine's exterior

2. On the ground beneath the equipment

3. Inside the fuel tank

4. On the operator's console

The correct answer is: On the ground beneath the equipment

The presence of oil spots under the equipment indicates a leak that has allowed oil to escape and pool on the ground. This is a direct result of gravity, as the oil will flow downwards and spread out on the surface beneath where the leak occurs. It is common for mechanics and technicians to look for such oil spots on the ground as an initial indication of a leak's location and severity, making this the most logical choice. While oil can settle on the exterior surfaces of the machine due to splashing or other means, it typically will not accumulate in significant amounts there compared to the ground directly beneath. The fuel tank would contain fuel and not oil, while the operator's console would not generally be a location where oil would collect, as this area is typically sealed off from direct exposure to any leaking fluids. Therefore, the ground beneath the equipment is the most likely location for oil spots to indicate a leak.