Diesel Mechanic

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Bus Mechanic; Diesel Mechanic; Diesel Technician (Diesel Tech); Fleet Mechanic; General Repair Mechanic; Heavy Truck Mechanic; Service Technician; Trailer Mechanic; Transit Mechanic; Truck Mechanic

Tasks

• Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
• Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
• Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
• Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
• Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
• Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
• Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
• Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
• Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
• Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
• Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
• Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
• Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
• Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
• Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.

Knowledge

• Mechanical
• Transportation
• Education and Training
• English Language
• Public Safety and Security
• Computers and Electronics
• Mathematics
• Administration and Management

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Near Vision
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Finger Dexterity
• Control Precision
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Multilimb Coordination
• Extent Flexibility
• Information Ordering
• Trunk Strength
• Visualization
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Inductive Reasoning
• Flexibility of Closure
• Depth Perception
• Auditory Attention
• Perceptual Speed
• Selective Attention
• Reaction Time
• Static Strength
• Far Vision
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Speech Recognition