The condition where a fluid intake line or suction port becomes exposed to air or gas due to low fluid levels, sloshing, or vehicle inclination. When a pump inlet unports, it draws in air, leading to cavitation, loss of fluid pressure, and potential system failure. Designers use baffles and accumulators to prevent this during extreme maneuvers.
Heard on the job
If you take that corner too fast with low oil, the pickup tube will unport and you'll lose oil pressure instantly.
Also heard as
- Unporting