Diesel Engine Mechanic means a person who installs, repairs and maintains all internal combustion diesel engines and components as used in transport, construction and marine.



What do these workers do?
(Source: BC Work Futures)

Service engines and make condition reports. Heavy equipment is expensive so owners are careful to maintain their investment. A large part of this maintenance involves a regular service cycle that includes scheduled replacement of parts filters and fluids. During this process, mechanics rely on their experience to check that wear patterns are normal and if they are not, to determine what the underlying problem might be. Engine checks and repairs are entered into equipment reports and log books.

Perform fluid analyses. Microscopic and chemical analyses of oil and coolants can pinpoint engine and hydraulic problems before they cause costly damage. While only a few diesel mechanics take the training to do these analyses, all mechanics learn to interpret the computerized test results.

Trouble shoot electrical systems. Heavy-duty diesel-powered equipment has a lot of electrical and electronic machinery on board. Troubleshooting electrical problems requires knowledge of electrical and micro-electronic principles and a good understanding of the equipment's entire electrical system.

Adjust engine valves and overhaul components. Diesel engines will run for a long time between servicing, provided they are regularly given clean oil and new filters. After many hours of operation, engines need to be rebuilt, which involves smoothing the bearing surfaces, de-glazing or boring the cylinder walls, grinding the seats the cylinder valves connect with and generally dismantling an engine to check it for wear. This work is usually done by diesel mechanics who specialize in large engine rebuilding and who work in specialist rebuild shops.

Read the full Diesel Engine Mechanic Profile (37kb pdf).

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