Practice Test Geeks(MST) Marine Service Technician Practice Test
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MST Steering & Control Systems Flashcards

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

Read the first 6 MST Steering & Control Systems flashcards as text

  1. When installing a new mechanical steering cable, the cable must be lubricated with what type of grease?

    Answer: Marine-grade grease compatible with the cable conduit material

    Marine-grade grease should be applied to the cable at the helm and cylinder ends to reduce friction and prevent corrosion.

  2. What is the correct method for measuring the helm effort (steering force) to verify compliance with ABYC P-17?

    Answer: Use a torque wrench or spring scale at the rim of the steering wheel with the engine running at rated RPM

    ABYC P-17 specifies maximum allowable rim pull force at the steering wheel, measured while the engine is running at rated speed in forward gear.

  3. A boat equipped with Sea Star hydraulic steering has a cylinder that drifts off center when the helm is held steady. This symptom indicates:

    Answer: An internal leak past the cylinder piston seals or a leaking helm valve

    Cylinder drift (the engine slowly steering itself off-center) is caused by internal bypass past worn piston seals or a leaking helm steering valve.

  4. What type of fluid is used in most marine hydraulic steering systems?

    Answer: Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) or dedicated marine hydraulic steering fluid

    Most marine hydraulic steering systems use ATF or a manufacturer-specified hydraulic steering fluid — consult the OEM manual for the correct specification.

  5. What is the function of the helm check valves in a hydraulic steering system?

    Answer: To prevent reverse flow from the cylinder back through the helm pump

    Helm check valves block reverse flow from the steering cylinder to the pump, maintaining steering position when hydraulic pressure fluctuates.

  6. During a throttle and shift cable adjustment on an outboard, where should the cable end pin be positioned when the shift is in neutral?

    Answer: Centered in the shift lever slot with no tension on either end of the cable

    In neutral, the shift cable end pin must be centered with no pre-load so the engine can fully engage both forward and reverse without binding.