Besides elevated temperature, which condition could contribute to pump cavitation?

Besides elevated temperature, which condition could contribute to pump cavitation?

• A. Incorrect transmission fluid
• B. Clogged transmission vent
• C. High fluid level
• D. Low fluid pressure

Answer: (B)

Cavitation in a pump happens when local pressure in the fluid drops below its vapor pressure, causing vapor bubbles to form. Besides elevated temperature, a key way this can happen is if air gets into the hydraulic system and cannot escape. A clogged transmission vent prevents air from venting to the atmosphere, so small amounts of air can become trapped in the fluid. As the pump operates, these trapped air pockets create very local low-pressure regions, allowing bubbles to form and collapse—i.e., cavitation. So a blocked vent directly promotes the air-entrapment scenario that leads to cavitation. The other options don’t promote this air-trapping effect in the same way.

Cavitation in a pump happens when local pressure in the fluid drops below its vapor pressure, causing vapor bubbles to form. Besides elevated temperature, a key way this can happen is if air gets into the hydraulic system and cannot escape. A clogged transmission vent prevents air from venting to the atmosphere, so small amounts of air can become trapped in the fluid. As the pump operates, these trapped air pockets create very local low-pressure regions, allowing bubbles to form and collapse—i.e., cavitation. So a blocked vent directly promotes the air-entrapment scenario that leads to cavitation. The other options don’t promote this air-trapping effect in the same way.