Common Challenges Encountered with Diesel Engines for Professionals with Automotive Training

The diesel engine delivers more power, and is more efficient and durable than gasoline-burning engines. Diesel engines usually power trucks, buses and heavy vehicles, but can also occasionally be found in pickups and other work trucks. If you’d like to become a mechanic who specializes in diesel engines, you’ll need auto mechanic training with a focus in diesel engine repairs. You’ll be able to repair anything powered by a diesel engine, including heavy trucks, locomotives, bulldozers, cranes, farm tractors and more.

Safety first

Some organizations hire diesel specialists to maintain their vehicle fleet. In this case, a diesel specialist will spend most of his or her time doing preventive maintenance, making sure that the equipment is safe and ready to be used. Following a routine checkup, a technician can repair a defective part or replace one that has accumulated too much wear and tear.
The diesel specialist uses a variety of tools to carry out repairs. This includes machine tools, like lathes and grinding machines, power tools, like pneumatic wrenches, jacks and hoists, to lift or move a larger or heavier part, as well as flame-cutting equipment. Basic tools, like screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers, always come in handy. As such, it’s very important for a mechanic who specialises in diesel engines to follow all proper safety rules and regulations, as the equipment he or she has to use to accomplish the work is not without risk. Lastly, diesel specialists also use a variety of testing devices to pinpoint and analyze malfunctions in electrical systems and engines. These devices are computerized and make it much easier to get an understanding of where the problem lies.
In the context of a large shop, a diesel specialist with training from a mechanic school will receive his or her assignments from a shop supervisor or a head manager, themselves usually former mechanics who went on to assume a leadership role. Diesel specialists must know how to work as part of a team, as their work usually affects someone else’s. Communication and coordination is key, such as when a task is taking much longer than anticipated, or when an issue was misdiagnosed and the repair failed to solve the problem.

An evolving role

Mechanics who specialize in diesel engine repairs must increasingly  adapt to new technology and the market’s needs. Though today’s diesel engine is as robust as ever, it’s also a much more complex system, with more electronic components being used to control its operations. For example, the engine now achieves much greater efficiency thanks to microprocessors which regulate and manage fuel timing. More often than not, servicing these parts requires additional training. Because of the advances in automotive technology, auto mechanics who specialize in diesel engines must regularly learn new repair techniques.
Finally, new emission standards now require companies to retrofit diesel engines to comply with pollution regulations. Depending on the type of model that is being retrofitted, these types of assignments can be a good challenge, even for an experienced mechanic.