Elevator Mechanic Practice Exam

What type of oil do you put in a machine?

1. Blended oil

2. Detergent oil

3. Gear oil, non-detergent, single viscosity

4. Synthetic oil

The correct answer is: Gear oil, non-detergent, single viscosity

The selection of gear oil, specifically non-detergent single viscosity, is often the correct choice for machines such as elevators. This type of oil is formulated to handle the specific requirements of gear systems, providing appropriate lubrication without causing foam or sludge buildup that could result from detergent additives. Non-detergent oils are particularly advantageous in applications where contaminants can be managed through other means, allowing the oil to maintain its viscosity and performance over extended periods. In contrast, blended oil and synthetic oil, while useful in many applications, may not provide the same level of stability and performance in gear-based machinery. Detergent oil is typically designed to keep engines clean by suspending contaminants, which is not necessary for many mechanical systems that don't have the same kind of combustion-related byproducts. Thus, for the specific context of elevator machinery, the choice of non-detergent gear oil exemplifies the optimal lubrication solution.