Diesel Mechanic Schools Explained

Diesel-powered motors are currently popular in trains, trucks, and other machines. They are also starting to be more and more common in regular vehicles because they are more fuel efficient. Not only that, they are also more powerful than a typical gasoline engine. However, they are also more elaborate. While many people teach themselves mechanic skills to work on their own cars, if you want to become a diesel mechanic, you should really get formal training. Enrolling in one of the many programs across the nation offering diesel mechanic classes will offer the highest probability of obtaining an excellent paying job as a diesel mechanic.

Graduating from schooling at one of these diesel mechanic schools will give you the info you need on all the sophisticated systems belonging to diesel-powered machines. This will include learning about fuel injection systems, heavy duty suspension, air brake systems, turbochargers, and much more. With complex systems like that, it is no wonder the government states that job opportunities should be good for diesel technicians. This schooling will get you ready to pass the ASE certification exam, a key milestone in your diesel mechanic career.

After attending one of the best diesel mechanic schools, you will also be ready for a myriad of diesel mechanic jobs working on locomotive engines and many other applications.

Many diesel mechanic training programs will offer an opportunity to concentrate in what attracts you the most. Some mechanic training programs will offer advanced manufacturer-specific courses so you can learn about Detroit Diesel engines, Caterpillar engines, Navistar engines, International engines, and others. You'll also have an opportunity to learn other essential advanced career skills. These manufacturer-specific programs can be an important aspect of your career as it can help you stand out. It is also important to choose a program that partners with corporations for the basic instruction. This way you can be confident that you are learning the things most important to succeed as a diesel mechanic.

Diesel mechanic schools can vary in length. The programs can range from around 41 to 70 weeks in length. Don’t be concerned though, this is ordinarily split into a number of terms so you can have a break! These programs will have a balance of class room and hands-on instruction. This great combination will teach you the concepts and let you practice them on real engines and trucks.

Typical Work a Diesel Mechanic Might Do

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.

UTI Diesel Program Video

I found this nice youtube video discussing the diesel program at UTI: