A diesel mechanic repairs and rebuilds diesel engines of various proportions. They have an elaborate knowledge of all structures and components of the engine. Diesel Performance Upgrades how to disassemble the engine to identify the root cause of problems. Mechanics are also trained to run diagnostic tools to investigate problems in bigger engines. Diesel mechanics are versatile technicians who have to have full-fledged knowledge of a direct and indirect aspect of anything related to a diesel engine. Some of them also become experts in hydraulics, valves, and fluids as they might have to work with as well.
Diesel engines come in various shapes and sizes from small cars to multi-tone ships, though the principle of the mechanism is the same they are apart by various parameters like size, capacity, power generation, etc. They are also apart by technologies. So diesel mechanics also get specialized training for every platform because every other diesel engine needs different tools to operate and repair. Some might need basic knowledge and basic tools like wrench and pliers to fix, or some might need knowledge of computers to run diagnostics and power tools to open the engines as these are large in proportion.
Types of diesel mechanic:
1. Fixed diesel mechanic:
Theses kind mechanics are experts in repairing and rebuilding diesel engines used in fixed platforms like electric generators or pumps. These engines need regular maintenance and oiling. They also come in various sizes so versatile knowledge is required to cope up with the engines.
2. Large and small vehicle maintenance:
Many small cars and almost all heavy vehicles run by diesel engines. It might be a little easy to maintain and repair small car engines, but it requires the best standard of experience and knowledge to repair and overhaul heavy vehicle engines as they have a robust tertiary system of electrical and hydraulics. Without a good knowledge of electrical and hydraulic parts, a fair diagnostic cannot be done. In many situations, diesel mechanics have to work with welders and lathe machine to make custom made parts which are broken or not available at one go. Large vehicles like the farming vehicle, mining vehicle, construction vehicle, etc. need constant upkeep for smooth operation so mechanics are as essential for their smooth run
3. Marine diesel mechanic:
Ship engines are of epic proportions and they need the different dimensions of knowledge to maintain and repair. That is why there are two sets of mechanics. One mechanic ships with the engines and constantly keep an eye on the performance of the engine and try to detect problems if any. The second one works in the dry dock and is well versed to work with heavy equipment.
4. Railway diesel mechanic:
A large number of trains run on diesel engines worldwide even Australia has a fair share of diesel-electric locomotives where the diesel engine generates electricity for the train. In Railway diesel mechanics are found working.
For working in any field you need knowledge and training it is applicable for diesel mechanics. There are various institutions in Australia providing technology certification courses including diesel engine technology. As diesel engine has many variations so there are different courses for that, you can go for the light vehicle or large commercial vehicle or even there is a certification course for marine engines but there are some educational prerequisites. Some mechanics do not have certificates they start working in garages and learn the skill as an apprentice.
The profession of diesel mechanic is a noble but highly demanding, partial knowledge won’t help you to survive so when working as a lead mechanic you need to take responsibilities.
But engine technology is ever-evolving and with respect to cope up and survive, a diesel mechanic should upgrade his knowledge to stay always ahead of the curve.
