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Free ICML MLA I Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style Machine Lubricant Analyst I (ICML MLA I) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free ICML MLA I practice test to study every exam domain.

These 10 free ICML MLA I questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Machine Lubricant Analyst I blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.

Domain 2: Lubrication Theory/Fundamentals 18% of exam

Question 1

A rolling-element bearing is running at its normal operating speed and load with a healthy oil film. Which lubrication regime is the bearing MOST likely operating in?

  1. Elastohydrodynamic lubrication
  2. Boundary lubrication
  3. Hydrodynamic lubrication
  4. Mixed-film lubrication
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Elastohydrodynamic lubrication

Question 2

A base oil is tested and found to contain 95% saturates, 0.01% sulfur, and a viscosity index of 130. Under the API 1509 base oil classification, this oil is a:

  1. Group I base oil
  2. Group II base oil
  3. Group III base oil
  4. Group IV base oil
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Group III base oil

Question 3

Two greases are both labeled NLGI grade 2. Based on the NLGI grade alone, what can you correctly conclude about them?

  1. They are formulated with compatible thickeners
  2. They share a similar worked penetration (consistency)
  3. They have the same base oil viscosity
  4. They are rated for the same operating temperature range
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - They share a similar worked penetration (consistency)

Domain 4: Lubricant Application 18% of exam

Question 4

A rolling-element bearing has an outer diameter of 120 mm and a width of 25 mm. Using the standard relubrication formula G = 0.005 x D x B (D and B in mm), how much grease (in grams) should be added?

  1. 342 grams
  2. 150 grams
  3. 15 grams
  4. 3 grams
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - 15 grams

Question 5

A maintenance planner must lubricate a slow-turning pillow-block bearing on a dusty conveyor that is difficult to reach and seldom serviced. Which lubricant choice is generally MOST appropriate?

  1. Grease
  2. A low-viscosity oil bath
  3. A circulating oil system
  4. Oil mist
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Grease

Domain 6: Lube Condition Control 10% of exam

Question 6

A filter element is rated with a beta ratio of B10 = 10 (i.e., beta of 10 at 10 microns). Using efficiency % = ((B - 1) / B) x 100, what is its particle-capture efficiency at 10 microns?

  1. 10%
  2. 50%
  3. 90%
  4. 99%
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - 90%

Question 7

An oil analysis report lists an ISO 4406 cleanliness code of 18/16/13. What do these three numbers represent?

  1. Particle-count range codes per mL above 4, 6, and 14 microns
  2. Particle counts per liter measured at 2, 5, and 15 microns
  3. The percentage of particles the filters remove at three points
  4. The oil's water, particle, and additive contamination levels
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Particle-count range codes per mL above 4, 6, and 14 microns

Domain 7: Oil Sampling 10% of exam

Question 8

On a circulating oil system, which location gives the MOST representative primary oil sample?

  1. The reservoir headspace above the oil level
  2. A return line downstream of the components, taken while running
  3. The bottom drain plug, taken with the machine off
  4. A low point where water and debris tend to settle
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - A return line downstream of the components, taken while running

Domain 8: Lubricant health monitoring 10% of exam

Question 9

A lab needs to confirm a very low level of water in a turbine oil, reported precisely in parts per million. Which test method is the MOST appropriate?

  1. Kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees C
  2. Visual inspection for cloudiness
  3. The crackle (hot-plate) test
  4. Karl Fischer titration
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - Karl Fischer titration

Question 10

Trending data for an in-service gear oil shows its kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees C has risen steadily and well above the new-oil baseline. Which condition is MOST consistent with this trend?

  1. Fuel dilution of the oil
  2. Oxidation of the oil
  3. Shearing of viscosity index improvers
  4. Topping up with a lighter-grade oil
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Oxidation of the oil

The rest of the ICML MLA I blueprint

The ICML MLA I exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:

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