Cavitation occurs when?

• A. Cavities form at the high pressure discharge side of the pump
• B. Cavities form at the low pressure or suction side of the pump
• C. Cavities form in the fuel tank
• D. Cavities form at the ambient air

Answer: (B)

Cavitation happens when the pressure on the suction side of a pump drops below the liquid’s vapor pressure, causing tiny vapor bubbles to form in the fuel. As these bubbles move into the higher-pressure discharge side, they collapse violently, which can erode parts of the pump, reduce flow, and create noise. Because the pressure is lowest on the suction side, cavitation occurs there, not on the discharge side, in the fuel tank, or in ambient air. Maintaining sufficient suction head prevents cavitation.