Diesel Technicians and Their Duties

Diesel engine specialists service and maintain the diesel engines that power many types of vehicles. Diesel powerplants are common in many ships and are becoming more common in smaller vehicles, including pickups, vans and other vehicles. Many other diesel specialists work on combines, cranes, road graders, and heavy vehicles.

Diesel mechanics must be willing to adjust to customer needs and to new technologies. It is common for technicians to undertake many types of repairs. Repairing diesel engines is becoming quite complex as more electronic components are added to manage the engine diagnostics. For example, CPUs now meter and manage fuel injection and engine timing, increasing the performance of the engine. Also, new emissions regulations could force mechanics to add emissions reduction systems, such as diesel particulate filters and SCR systems, to comply with smog laws. In modern facilities, diesel service technicians use hand-held computers to identify problems and modify engine operation.

Technicians working for companies that service their own fleet spend a lot of their hours performing preventative repairs. During a routine maintenance check, technicians follow a checklist that includes inspecting glow plugs, lights, and intercoolers. After check up, diesel specialists fix parts that do not work properly or R&R components that have broken.

Diesel technicians usually work in the shop, although they sometimes travel to vehicles on the interstate or at the job. Technicians may lead a team or be assisted by an apprentice or helper when doing heavy work, such as replacing axles. Most mechanics work a typical 40-hour week, although they can work longer hours, particularly if they own their own shop. A growing number of places have increased their hours to speed repairs and be more convenient for customers. A number of facilities provide maintenance and repair service all week long.

A lot technicians do many different types of diesel engine repairs. Others specialize in rebuilding engines or in repairing cylinder heads. Still others repair large natural gas engines used to power generators and other industrial equipment.

A diesel specialist can do any number of things on the job. These include replacing engine parts, placing necessary parts orders, following all stipulated industry safety regulations and standards of work, routine servicing and overhauling of all diesel engines, inspecting the engines and detecting malfunctions, leading a team of technicians and delegating necessary work to them. A diesel service specialist should have the ability to direct a team of technicians.

As with most mechanic positions, many shops employing diesel mechanics require that the mechanics provide their own tools. Shops will provide large equipment such as air compressors, tire changing machines, and welders. However, the diesel mechanic will be expected to provide hand tools, air tools, and some power tools. Mechanics will typically bring their rolling tool box to the shop and keep all their tools there. This tool box will typically have full socket sets of all sizes: ¼” drive, 3/8” drive, and ½” drive; open end and box wrenches up to one inch or larger in size; torque wrenches; impact sockets for use with air tools, up to one inch or larger; screw drivers; hammers; and more.

After a few years of working as a diesel mechanic, they become eligible for certain ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified. This is an important step as it signifies that the mechanic has reached a certain level of mastery in their craft. For diesel mechanics, specifically, there are a number of certification tests available related to medium and heavy duty trucks, truck equipment, and school and transit buses. Each group has a number of tests in the series. If a mechanic passes the full group of tests, they reach the level of being master certified, a significant achievement.