What checks are performed on fuel nozzles during maintenance?

• A. Inspect for clogging, wear, and deposits; verify spray pattern and atomization; clean or replace as necessary.
• B. Visual inspection for leaks only
• C. Replace nozzle regardless
• D. Check electrical resistance

Answer: (A)

Fuel nozzle maintenance focuses on ensuring the nozzle both flows correctly and sprays fuel in the right way for proper combustion. Deposits, clogging, or wear can block passages or alter the spray angle and droplet size, which undermines fuel-air mixing, ignition, and flame stability. Because of this, technicians verify the spray pattern and atomization to ensure a consistent, correct distribution of fuel. If the pattern or flow isn’t within specification, the nozzle is cleaned to remove deposits or replaced if worn or damaged. This approach covers both the physical condition and the performance of the nozzle.

Relying only on visual inspection for leaks misses the critical aspect of how the nozzle actually performs in delivering fuel. Replacing the nozzle regardless of condition is unnecessary if it still meets spec, and checking electrical resistance isn’t a standard requirement for most fuel nozzles, which are primarily concerned with flow and spray characteristics.