Cavitation in a hydraulic pump is indicated by noisy pump operation and can be caused by a/an __________.

Correct Answer: Option B — clogged suction strainer in the reservoir

Cavitation occurs when a pump cannot draw sufficient fluid, creating a vacuum that causes dissolved gases to vaporize. A clogged suction strainer increases resistance, starving the pump inlet. This results in noisy operation, potential internal damage, and reduced volumetric efficiency, necessitating immediate cleaning per standard marine machinery maintenance protocols.