Diesel mechanics are responsible for the diagnosis and service of vehicles with diesel engines, including buses, trucks, bulldozers and cranes. Read on to learn about online training programs for aspiring diesel mechanics.
An Overview of Diesel Mechanics
The sophistication of diesel-powered vehicles requires an understanding of the most up-to-date information, equipment and skills for servicing the systems and components. Many people enroll in a formal training program to learn the required skills and become diesel mechanics. Employers generally give hiring preference to mechanics who have graduated from an accredited program. Many community colleges, technical schools and vocational institutions provide online diesel mechanic classes that lead to an associate's degree or a certificate in diesel mechanics.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Fully</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Automobile servicing, industrial fleet servicing, a repair shop employee</td></tr>
<tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> High school diploma or equivalent</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Detail oriented, persistent, problem-solving</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $48,690 (<i>for diesel service technicians and mechanics</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 4% (<i>for diesel service technicians and mechanics</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CommonTopicsInDieselMechanicsClasses">Common Topics in Diesel Mechanics Classes</h3><p>Many online diesel mechanics classes cover the following topics:
</p><h4 id="section---DieselSystemsAndTroubleshooting">Diesel Systems and Troubleshooting</h4><p>This course teaches the maintenance and service processes for the cooling systems, fuel systems and lubrication systems. It also looks at Detroit diesel engines, including tune-ups, troubleshooting, how to test the air system class and fuel source and how to install a fuel injector.
</p><h4 id="section---BasicDieselEngines">Basic Diesel Engines</h4><p>This course covers the basics of diesel engine construction and operating concepts, including an examination of the engine's internal components, their purpose and their operation.
</p><h4 id="section---CaterpillarFuelSystems">Caterpillar Fuel Systems</h4><p>Students learn about the principles and theories of the Caterpillar fuel system and its various parts, such as fuel mechanisms, injection apparatus and pollution control devices.
</p><h4 id="section---EngineAndGeneratorAlignment">Engine and Generator Alignment</h4><p>The course examines crankshaft and generator armature malfunctions, the reasons for these problems and the proper methods for measuring and replacing a generator assembly.
</p><h4 id="section---TuneUpAndTroubleshooting">Tune-up and Troubleshooting</h4><p>Students investigate the design, tune-up and analysis of cylinders as well as the evaluation of the air components and fuel processes.
</p><h4 id="section---HeavyDutyAirBrakes">Heavy Duty Air Brakes</h4><p>Students concentrate on the operation, repair and rebuild process of the air management system and braking apparatus that is used in heavy-duty trucks and off-road equipment.</p>
