Diesel mechanics repair, maintain, and rebuild diesel engines that power buses, trucks, ships, trains, and other vehicles. They repair engines by removing and replacing faulty parts. Mechanics who maintain engines may check water cooling systems or clean air and oil filters. Their job is to keep the engine functioning properly and prevent engine parts from breaking down. Because diesel engines are expensive to replace, they are rebuilt at regular intervals. Mechanics take the engine completely apart, replace old or worn parts, and rebuild the engine. This is usually done after an engine has traveled 100,000 miles.
Diesel mechanics use many kinds of tools in their work. These include pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, grinders, drills, and lathes. In addition, they may use testing equipment such as a dynamometer, which measures engine power, and other equipment to test fuel-injection systems. Because mechanics often lift heavy parts, 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 earth movers, are usually called heavy equipment diesel mechanics.
Diesel mechanics may work in a variety of settings. They may work for diesel equipment dealers, manufacturers, or companies that use and repair diesel equipment.
Education and Training
Employers prefer trainees and apprenticeship applicants who have a high school education and mechanical ability. Shop courses in automobile repair and machine shop work, offered by many high schools and vocational schools, are helpful, as are courses in science and mathematics.
There are a number of ways to receive the training required to become a diesel mechanic. You can start by working on gasoline-powered engines, assisting an experienced gasoline engine mechanic. This training lasts 3 to 4 years. If you go to work for a company that uses or repairs diesel equipment, you receive 6 to 18 months of additional training.
Another way to enter the trade is through a formal apprenticeship program that generally lasts 4 years, gives you both classroom instruction and practical experience. You are paid during your work-training period while you attend school at night.
Still another way to receive the proper training is to attend a trade or technical school full-time. These schools offer programs that generally last from several months to 2 years and provide practical experience and related classroom instruction. After completion of this program, graduates usually need additional on-the-job training before becoming skilled diesel mechanics.
Getting the Job
Your school placement office can assist you in finding a job. You can also apply directly to repair shops or manufacturing companies for work. Check with your state employment service or the want ads of local newspapers for job listings.
Employment Outlook
Diesel mechanics with the best training have the greatest opportunity for advancement. When vacancies occur, an automotive diesel mechanic can advance to such positions as shop supervisor or service manager. Locomotive specialists may advance to plant superintendent. A diesel engine mechanic on a ship might become a marine engineer.
The employment outlook for diesel mechanics is expected to be fair. Because of the greater durability and economy of diesel engines as compared to gasoline engines, it is expected that buses and trucks will be increasingly powered by diesels.
Working Conditions
Many larger repair shops are pleasant places in which to work, but some small shops have poor lighting, heating, and ventilation. Diesel mechanics sometimes make repairs outdoors where the breakdowns occur. If proper safety measures are not taken, there is danger of injury when repairing heavy parts supported by jacks or hoists. In most jobs mechanics handle greasy tools and engine parts. When making repairs, they sometimes must stand or lie in awkward positions for extended periods.
The typical workweek is 40 to 48 hours, although extra work hours may be required when the need for emergency repairs arises. There are many mechanics at work in states (such as New York and Texas) where there is a great deal of construction work. Many diesel mechanics belong to labor unions.
Earnings and Benefits
The rate of pay varies among industries. The average wage for diesel mechanics is between $24,000 and $35,500 a year. Many mechanics receive paid holidays and vacations as well as health and life insurance benefits. Sometimes they receive time and a half for overtime. Railroad mechanics may receive free travel passes.
