If the pilot pressure to a pilot-operated check valve repeatedly drops momentarily, the cylinder will

• A. Stop
• B. Drift
• C. Have a jerky motion
• D. Operate slowly

Answer: (C)

A pilot-operated check valve uses a small pilot line to hold a flow path closed or open, so the cylinder’s motion is controlled by the pilot pressure. When the pilot pressure is steady, the valve opens to allow flow in the intended direction while preventing backflow, giving smooth operation. If the pilot pressure drops momentarily, the valve tends to close briefly. This means the cylinder loses its controlled supply for a split second, and as soon as the pilot pressure returns, the valve opens again. If these drops happen repeatedly, the valve repeatedly opens and closes, causing the cylinder to move in quick, abrupt bursts rather than smoothly. So the cylinder will have a jerky motion.