How many diesel techs here?

[Will24]

Just curious how many diesel techs there are on the TDR. As some of you know I am only 18 (and a high school senior) I have a meeting scheduled at ATC in Exton, PA for tuesday night for their diesel program. My dad was a diesel tech for 15 years before he got into industrial transmission things (big allisons and ZFs) and he told me he's gonna let me see if I like it instead of turning me off or telling me to go for it. Anyone have anything to say about the topic? any advice?





Thanks Guys

Will

 

[Deezul1]

I am not a Diesel tech but being one has to be a winner with world energy and pollution demands being what they are. Diesel techs will be in high demand and well paid.

Good Luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Doc Tinker]

I'm still a diesel school bus tech at heart, and I miss getting my arms soaked in grease, oil and fuel. Circumstances have forced me out of the garage and into dressier attire. I still stop by the garage for my daily fix of dirt and vapors, and to talk to someone who has something interesting to say.



Doc

 

[SOOT]

I am, I am

I am 20, and a Diesel Tech in the Oil field something different everyday. Other than the insane hours it's fun and good income as well. I get to play with cats from as small as the 3126 to the 3512 ( which puts out 2250HP ) and 2 stroke Detroits from the 6v 92 to the 16v 149 (1500HP)

 

[QRTRHRS]

Good idea but consider this too.

Get as much digital electronics training under your belt as you can also. A good grasp of math including algebra and trig are prerequisite there.

 

[Wayne M.]

Coming from a 16 year Mechanic who has to tackle everything from passenger cars, to OEM Diesel engine fuel systems, to all phases of heavy duty equipment repair, to hydraulics and pneumatics, I'd say a specialized field like Diesel Mechanic is a good place to be. I like where the OEM's are going with their technology, and to be on top of it and work with it would be a plus. With the right credentials, you could walk onto just about any jobsite or shop and name your price, that is if you have the walk to back up your talk.

When your training ends, you have to keep abreast of the changes- even if your employer won't help you or you will be left behind. Whenever a dealer tech shows up to perform warranty work on a particular piece of equipment, I'm all over Him like a sponge- trying to learn all I can from Him. We recently Purchased a bunch of Mack LE's and I went to the basic V-MAC engine class held on site. I am trying to get into the advanced class but so far I've missed it- against my will. I am just starting to go for my ASE Heavy Truck certs. My job dosen't require it, but I will do it anyway. You should do the same if you choose the field.



If you have the desire to excel, you will like it!

Good Luck!

 

[illflem]

I'll second what was said above. If you do get into wrenching diesels try to avoid working on pickups and cars, the tight fits will drive you crazy. A engine sitting out in the open where you can get at it is a pleasure to work on. Stick to stationary, tractors, heavy trucks, buses and equipment and you'll be happy. You won't get paid any better to skin your knuckles all day under a hood.

 

[andyr]

Semi trucks are getting just as bad as cars these days; in the effort to make them smaller lighter and more aerodynamic. They are still easier than pickups and cars. I agree with Wayne. I only have six years in with detroit diesel.

 

[tgbol]

I have 25 years as a truck, heavy equipment, and marine mechanic. Currently I supervise 4 repair facilities with 6 mechaincs and 323 pieces of equipment. 165 of which are diesel.

In that mix are 2 gensets powered by Cummins 1710s and 2 powered by Alco 16 cylinders.

 

[KatDiesel]

I don't work in the field anymore, but for about a year and half I worked for Wagner Equipment Co (CAT dealer in CO) and went to school at Denver Automotive and Diesel College. I lack about 3 months from having an associates degree in Diesel Technology. I quit my job and school when Union Pacific offered me my job and asked if I could start immediatly. The pay was right and its something I've "grown" up with so I knew what I was getting into when I joined the railroad.



Here in the next couple of years I would like to find a school around here that I could transfer my credits to and finsih it up just to say I did.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Don't wait too long.

Kat, don't hold off to long or you will end up taking a lot of the courses over again. At least that's been my experiance.

 

[bighammer]

I took a diesel fuel systems course at Owens Community College in Toledo a few years ago. I was fascinated by the wide range of engines and equipment in their shop, sub-specialty course offerings, and the arangements with manufacturers for specific training and placement. If I were younger and in need of a career, that would've pulled me in deeper.



I got a lot out of pulling apart a Bosch inline pump (from a properly valved Cummins B) and seeing how it all works. (Yes, it did go back together )



It would be a great field to go into.

 

[A Johnson]

My advice for what its worth. Don't stop at an associates degree! It's too hard to go back to school later in life. As far as I can tell the big money is not in being a technician, it is in sales, or management. I think it is good to have a good solid background in the actual repair of engines but after about 15 years you will want out because your back will hurt too bad to get out of bed in the morning. My job started out real exciting as I was learning everyday was single and had money to burn. Then came marriage, child, house payments, etc, etc. and the twenty dollars an hour doesn't go very far. I made 56000 dollars last year with lots of overtime and it goes as fast as I get it. My peers across the street in the clean clothes, selling engines and managing the business bring in 15-50k more a year. This should be enough incentive to stay in school. I cant afford a new Dodge, they don't have 30 year payment plans. I realize I sound bitter and I am . Not with my employer he is paying what he can buy me for. I'm upset with myself for not planning better for the future. Now I find myself 34 years old and taking night classes to try and work my way up the food chain.

Ok now for the plus side. I've never been out of work, I could quit tody , get laid off, whatever, and I will have a job good enough to buy beans. I've been offered lots of other jobs but none as good as I have. Best of luck on your decision! AJ

 

[csevers]

diesel mechanic

Being a tech is not always fun or easy but it can be rewarding if you enjoy what you do there are alot of different paths to follow in the diesel field if you thinks its something you want to do check in to it in depth. I work with alot of people that work a techs because it a job not a carrer they don't much care abouts diesel's or whats gonig on in the future in the field. I do know that diesel tech are harder to come by do to no one wants to get dirty anymore so some times you can name you price and others you have to work up to the big money.



GOOD LUCK