Diesel powerplants are
standard in our country's generators and are becoming more popular in light
vehicles, including pickups, SUVs and other vehicles. Diesel mechanics service
and take care of these generators and the diesel motors that can be found in
many types of vehicles. A diesel mechanic may work with boats, tractors,diesel passenger cars, and light trucks.
Diesel technicians
must be willing to adapt to people’s needs and to new technologies. It is
common for technicians to perform many types of repairs. Maintaining a diesel
engine is becoming quite involved as more electronic subsystems are installed
to monitor the engine performance. For example, microprocessors now regulate
and manage fuel injection and engine timing, increasing the engine's efficiency.
Also, new emissions laws could require owners to retrofit engines with
emissions control systems, such as emission filters and catalysts, to comply
with pollution directives. In many shops, diesel specialists use special
equipment to identify issues and adjust engine functions.
Most technicians do an
array of diesel engine repairs. Others specialize in rebuilding engines or in
repairing turbochargers. Other mechanics repair large natural gas motors used
to power generators and other industrial equipment.
Mechanics working for
fleets that repair their own fleet spend a lot of their time performing
preventative repairs. During a typical maintenance check-up, workers perform
duties that include inspecting intercoolers, fuel injectors, and turbochargers.
After inspection, diesel specialists fix parts that do not work within spec or
swap out parts that are not fixable.
Diesel technicians
commonly work in a garage, but they on occasion visit trucks on the road or at
the job. Technicians may lead a team or assist a senior mechanic when doing
heavy work, such as replacing axles. Most mechanics work a standard 40-hour
week, but a few work longer hours, particularly if they are running their own
shop. A growing number of places have increased their hours to make faster
repairs and be more accessible to customers. Several shops provide maintenance
and repair service all week long.
A diesel mechanic may
do any number of activities on the job. These include inspecting the engines
and detecting malfunctions, replacing engine parts, routine servicing and
overhauling of all diesel engines, following all stipulated industry safety
regulations and standards of work, ensuring the proper handling of all testing
and repair tools, and maintaining records of service and repairs. A senior diesel
service specialist should have the ability to lead and motivate a team of
technicians.
