In a bearing leak-down test, the third connecting rod is dripping more oil than the others. What is the most likely indication?

• A. Number 3 connecting rod bearing is worn
• B. Oil passages to other bearing are restricted
• C. The third bearing is the closest to the oil pump
• D. Number 3 bearing has less wear than the rest

Answer: (A)

In a bearing leak-down test, you pressurize the oil passages and observe how well each bearing seals against oil leakage. Each bearing should hold pressure with minimal leakage. If one connecting rod bearing shows noticeably more oil dripping than the others, it indicates that bearing has worn surfaces and increased clearance. That extra clearance lets more oil bypass the bearing, so oil leaks out more readily, producing the visible dripping.

So the most likely indication is that the third connecting rod bearing is worn. If oil passages to other bearings were restricted, you’d expect less leakage elsewhere, not more at this one bearing. Proximity to the oil pump doesn’t determine leakage in this test, and having less wear would reduce, not increase, leakage.