Diesel Mechanic Job Description, Career as a Diesel Mechanic, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job
mechanics engines repair equipment
Education and Training Varies—see profile
Salary Median—$17.20 per hour
Employment Outlook Good
Definition and Nature of the Work
Diesel mechanics repair, maintain, and rebuild diesel engines that power buses, trucks, ships, trains, and other vehicles. To repair engines, mechanics run diagnostic tests, find the sources of problems, and then remove and replace faulty parts. Mechanics who maintain engines may check water-cooling systems or clean air and oil filters to prevent engine parts from breaking down. Because diesel engines are expensive to replace, they are rebuilt at regular intervals, usually after vehicles have traveled more than one hundred thousand miles. Mechanics take the engines completely apart, replace worn parts, and put the engines back together.
At a city transit authority, a diesel mechanic performs routine maintenance on bus engines by checking the water-cooling system and the air and oil filters.
Diesel mechanics use many kinds of tools, including pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, grinders, drills, and lathes. They also use testing equipment such as dynamometers, which measure engine power. Mechanics often lift heavy parts, so they should be in good physical condition.
Some mechanics do a variety of diesel engine repairs. Others specialize in rebuilding engines or in repairing fuel-injection systems, turbochargers, cylinder heads, or starting systems. Some also repair large natural gas engines used to power generators and other industrial equipment.
Mechanics are sometimes described by the type of equipment they repair. For example, those who repair diesel truck engines may be called diesel truck mechanics. Those who work on construction equipment, such as bulldozers and earthmovers, are usually called heavy equipment diesel mechanics.
Diesel mechanics work for equipment dealers, manufacturers, or companies that use and repair diesel equipment.
Education and Training Requirements
Employers prefer trainees and apprenticeship applicants who have high school diplomas and mechanical ability. Automobile repair and machine shop courses offered by many high schools and vocational schools are helpful, as are courses in science and mathematics.
Many diesel mechanics start by assisting experienced workers who repair gasoline-powered engines. That training lasts three to four years. New employees of companies that use or repair diesel equipment usually receive six to eighteen months of additional training.
Some mechanics enter formal apprenticeship programs, which generally last four years. They include classroom instruction and practical experience. Apprentices are paid for their work while they attend school at night.
A growing number of employers prefer to hire graduates of trade or technical schools. These programs generally last from several months to two years and provide practical experience and related classroom instruction. Graduates usually need additional on-the-job training before becoming skilled diesel mechanics.
Voluntary certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is recognized as the standard credential for diesel mechanics, who can be certified as master medium/heavy truck technicians, master school bus technicians, or master truck equipment technicians. To become certified, mechanics must pass one or more ASE-certified exams and have at least two years of hands-on experience in diesel engine repair. Because technology advances so quickly in this field, mechanics must be retested every five years to remain certified. Mechanics stay abreast of these advances through continuing education.
Getting the Job
Job seekers can apply directly to repair shops or manufacturing companies. School placement offices, state employment services, newspaper classified ads, and Internet job sites are all sources of employment leads.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Diesel mechanics with the most advanced training have the greatest opportunity for advancement. When vacancies occur, they can be promoted to shop supervisor or service manager. Locomotive specialists may advance to plant superintendent. Diesel engine mechanics on ships might become marine engineers. Experienced mechanics can also open their own repair shops.
The employment outlook for diesel mechanics is expected to be good through 2014. Diesel engines are more durable and economical than gasoline engines, so they may be used more extensively in trucks, buses, and other vehicles.
Working Conditions
Most larger repair shops are pleasant places in which to work, but some small shops have poor lighting, heating, and ventilation. Heavy parts are often supported by jacks or hoists, so proper safety measures must be taken. Mechanics handle greasy tools and engine parts and often stand or lie in awkward positions for extended periods. Sometimes they make repairs outdoors in all kinds of weather.
The typical workweek runs forty to forty-eight hours, although extra hours may be required for emergency repairs. Many shops have expanded their work hours to better serve their customers, so evening, night, and weekend work may be necessary. Many diesel mechanics belong to labor unions.
Earnings and Benefits
Earnings vary by industry. In 2004 the median wage for all diesel mechanics was $17.20 per hour. The most experienced mechanics earned more than $25.67 per hour. They were often paid time and a half for overtime. Inexperienced mechanics generally earned fifty to seventy-five percent as much as experienced mechanics.
Many mechanics receive paid holidays and vacations as well as health and life insurance. Railroad mechanics may receive free travel passes.
User Comments
about 1 year ago
Great work..
about 4 years ago
diesel mechanics earn time and 1/2 over 40 hours worked.why wouldn't same diesel mechanics earn the same working for trucking company.somebody needs to address this problem.a diesel mechanic is just what it is whether a truck,bus,tractor etc.we have major problems with the laws in this country and still making nw ones.what's wrong with this picture.mitch rose ,south carolina.
11 months ago
please can you answer this question do diesel mechanics get health insurence
over 2 years ago
Diesel engines are not rebuilt every 100,000 miles. Thats just the break in point for these engines. They are able to go 800,000 to 1,000,000 miles before the engines needs to be rebuilt.
about 4 years ago
me im 13 and my dad is 46 and me and him work on cars all the time as a matter a fact my 18 year old brother has a 1993 chevy s10 and it was making a grinding noise like something was wrong with the transmision and the grinding noise was it was out of gear fluid and my dad said to me that if we would of brought the truck to a garage it would of been 65$ an hour
4 months ago
austin blass
hi every body
4 months ago
hailey
hi im 16 and wyotech came and talked to our school about getting in to fields like this it sounds super interesting im really thinking about doing it(:
6 months ago
l need this job .... wat should l do
9 months ago
i lik
about 4 years ago
im 14 and a girl i wosh this would include more about the training needed and about what they do over all what do they have to work in the good stuff its for a project
3 months ago
you guys are gay
5 months ago
):
9 months ago
DIL KUMAR TAMANG
Dil kumar tamang
Madimulkharka-3, shankhuwa sava Koshi, Nepal
Mobile, 009779803364295 (nepal)
E-mail, dil_tamang2010@yahoo.com
Objective
Submitting application for the post of heavy mobile equipment Diesel mechanic to extend my service in fullest and satisfactorily to your establishment.
Academically \ Educational Qualification
Passed S.L.C. examination in shree shanti vidya griha madhyamik vidyalaya in lainchour, Kathmandu. Nepal.
Carrier Summery
2005-dec. 2009
ITT/FSIC/APS-5Qatar US. Military Base.as a Heavy mobile equipment mechanic; work on military vehicles type of HMMWV, HEMITT, HETT, 5TON, LMTV, FMTV, MERCEDES BENZES , MAN,VOLVO,CATERPILLAR,KOMUTSU,TATA,MARUTY Etc.
1997-2003
Ali- mohammed al turaiky Contracting est. AL-ZULFI Kingdom of Saudiarabia.
AS A AUTOMOTIVE TECNICIAN
Duties carried out.
Worked on light and heavy vehicles.
Performed overhauls on diesel and petrol engines and transmissions.
Troubleshoot and repaired drive trains and suspension. electrical, air systems.Worked on the following equipment GMC, Toyota, Mercedes Benzes, man, Volvo, scania, komutsu,furukawa,Mitsubishi, Caterpillar. etc
under supervision and instruction of work shop foreman,
1995-1996
SOMBUCONSTRUCTIONS CO. LTD,. Doti NEPAL,
heavy equipment department, road construction project.
AS A HEAVY VEHICLE DIESEL MECHANIC
Duties carried out.Worked on light and heavy vehicles.
Troubleshoot hydraulic and air systems.Replace and repair parts of vehicles and Performed overhauls on engines and transmissionws.
Troubleshoot and repaired drive trains and suspensions.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
About 10 years of experience in the mechanical field and have gained
many experiences in mechanical field covering of various mechanisms
on light and heavy vehicles. and i'am capable of driving of all light or heavy motor vehicle and posses a (A) class valied driving licence.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION
Good knowladge of Gas & electric ark welding, auto electrical maintenanc
systems, Body erame repair works.
PERSONAL DETAILS
NAME IN FULL : DIL KUMAR TAMANG
ADDRESS : SHANKHUWASAVA, MADIMULKHARKA
-3 UMLING, KOSHI, NEPAL.
present
TELEPHON : 00977 980 3364295 (MOBILE, NEPAL)
PASSPORT NO. :3145113
Religion :buddhist
Language :English, hindi, nepali, Arabic,
In the event of being selectld me for the post, i assure to discharge my duties to the Best satisfactoryof all superiors.
Thanking you
Yours faith fully
Dil kumar tamang
about 1 month ago
The only thing dats on my mind right now,is me,being a diesel mechanic.Already getting some experience of the locals in the city of Warri,down here in Nigeria.All I need from u guys is an update of every activity pertaining to this very kind of activity.Thanks.
about 1 month ago
The only thing dats on my mind right now,is me,being a diesel mechanic.Already getting some experience of the locals in the city of Warri,down here in Nigeria.All I need from u guys is an update of every activity pertaining to this very kind of activity.Thanks.
about 1 month ago
The only thing dats on my mind right now,is me,being a diesel mechanic.Already getting some experience of the locals in the city of Warri,down here in Nigeria.All I need from u guys is an update of every activity pertaining to this very kind of activity.Thanks.
about 1 month ago
my names aldair and im 16 and i have a queston, hopefully i can get an answer to. wyotech, uti, and lincoln tech came to my autos class and gave a presentation. they all sound great, but i just want to know wchich one is best for becoming an experienced diesel mechanic. my father paints cars so im really into this field. do any of you think that if i work as a car painter i might have a better shot at a job?
thanks.
about 1 month ago
my names aldair and im 16 and i have a queston, hopefully i can get an answer to. wyotech, uti, and lincoln tech came to my autos class and gave a presentation. they all sound great, but i just want to know wchich one is best for becoming an experienced diesel mechanic. my father paints cars so im really into this field. do any of you think that if i work as a car painter i might have a better shot at a job?
thanks.
2 months ago
IBRAHIM MUSAH
Dear sir,
Im a young man of 25 years of age and Im looking for a job as an engineer... well if any thing you will like to know about me contact me on +2348155230024 hoping to had from you sooner ..?
2 months ago
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3 months ago
tivari pavan
what is mean of it
3 months ago
i have expreince engine cars more 10 years petrol and diessel spicialy small cars so i need job