Practice Test Geeks(MTC) Marine Technician Certification Practice Test
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Transmission & Drivetrain Systems Flashcards

7 cards from real MTC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Transmission & Drivetrain Systems flashcards as text

  1. What causes a propeller shaft to vibrate excessively at higher RPM on an inboard vessel?

    Answer: Shaft misalignment or a bent/damaged propeller

    A bent shaft or damaged propeller creates an unbalanced rotating mass that produces vibration that worsens as RPM increases.

  2. What is the purpose of a cutlass bearing on an inboard propeller shaft?

    Answer: Supports and lubricates the rotating shaft using water

    The cutlass bearing is a water-lubricated rubber bearing in the strut or stern tube that supports the propeller shaft's outboard end.

  3. When bleeding air from a hydraulic marine transmission control system, the technician should:

    Answer: Start at the highest point in the system and work downward to the actuator

    Air rises, so bleeding from the highest point first ensures all trapped air is purged progressively down to the actuator.

  4. A stern drive unit that steers but does not trim is MOST likely caused by:

    Answer: Hydraulic leak in the trim cylinder or low hydraulic fluid

    The trim function relies on hydraulic pressure; a cylinder leak or low fluid level will disable trim while steering (mechanical) remains functional.

  5. What is the correct method for measuring propeller shaft runout?

    Answer: Mount a dial indicator against the shaft and rotate it one full revolution

    A dial indicator measures total indicated runout (TIR) as the shaft rotates, revealing bends or eccentricity that cause vibration.

  6. Which condition would cause a marine transmission to overheat?

    Answer: Blocked transmission oil cooler passages or low fluid level

    A blocked oil cooler prevents heat dissipation, and low fluid reduces lubrication and cooling capacity, both leading to overheating.

  7. The angle between the engine crankshaft centerline and the propeller shaft centerline in an inboard installation is called the:

    Answer: Down-angle or shaft inclination angle

    The down-angle (shaft inclination) is the angle at which the shaft slopes downward from the transmission to the propeller; excessive angles reduce efficiency.