What is the primary purpose of conducting a leakage test in an aircraft engine?

The primary purpose of conducting a leakage test in an aircraft engine is to identify leaks in the combustion chamber. During this test, pressure is applied to the combustion chamber, and any drop in pressure indicates the presence of leaks. These leaks can significantly affect engine performance, efficiency, and safety, as they can allow air or fuel to escape or unwanted substances to enter. Identifying and rectifying these leaks ensures that the engine operates at peak efficiency, maintains proper compression, and reduces the risk of engine failure. This test is a critical part of engine maintenance and helps to ensure that the engine can perform reliably during operation.

While other options such as measuring fuel efficiency, assessing engine temperature, or evaluating cooling system performance are important aspects of engine management, they do not specifically relate to the primary function of a leakage test, which is focused on the integrity and sealing of the combustion chamber.