Crash Course In Diesel Mechanics?

Everyone has an opinion, here is mine.
Working on your truck isn't complicated, here some questions to ask yourself.

1 when you open your hood do you see a engine, or do you see all the components (ie water pump,turbo,thermostat houseing ect.)and know there function?

2 are you good at paying attention to details

3 do you have a friend or a tech that can come over on a weekend to help or give advice or at least you can call for free good advice that don't mind giving it.

4 can read a service manual and understand why you are following a given procedure?

If you answered yes to all four your great!
yes to 1, 2, 3, your good
yes to 1, 2, your ok

If you aren't able to do your own maintenance
You have better have all, or at least three forth of the capital (money) to put into the truck!!!
After that stick to the basics

 

You can certainly do light repairs yourself. Once in awhile you'll get in over your head, so always pick a place close to a shop if it needs to be finished by a tech.

And, don't forget that you can save some bucks by having the shop only do the major stuff while you put the covers back on yourself, make small adjustments, do some paint and scrubbing, etc.

A lot of people think mechanics have some secret knowledge that enables them to do mysterious, superhuman things. I'll admit, a really good tech is worth his weight in gold- just like a really good driver. But the sad truth is when it comes to light repairs, a lot of mechanics in shops and truckstops don't know anything more about the repair they're about to do than you do.

Light repair is the entry level job for new mechanics. And some shops have high turnover just like some trucking companies. You have a real interest in repairing your ride right. If you throw new parts at a problem and don't fix it, you're usually doing the same thing the shop does- and you're not paying their labor rate.

My wagon's down right now waiting for parts to come in. Since Sunday I've been tightening loose parts, changing fluids, adjusting and inspecting moving parts, sanding and painting, greasing it, oiling squeaky parts and even a little adjusting and tinkering for fun. If that part ever gets here I'll be ready to go and I just avoided a boatload of future shop time.

You can do it.

 

when you open hood and see SCR components do you understand what kind of chemical reaction goes on in converter and do you know why and how NOx is dangerouse?

If you see ECM can you imagine how the serial EPROM works? and what Flash is for?

So do not think about this, just drive!

 

I am a licenced mechanic and have worked on everything from a unit that had been steam powered to the latest computerized engines.
If call a truck dealership or repair shop in your area and ask if you could talk to them about a job and a future apprenticeship. That way you can learn.

 

You can do simple repairs. Question is, do you have the tools or the capability to haul an extra 500lbs worth of tools. When you break down in the middle of no where, where are you gonna get the parts? Get towed to a parts store?

But stuff like alternators and starters and other simple things, sure, have at it. The worse that can happen is you pay someone else to finish.

 

My apologies, Pablo- I read your posts all the time, don't mean to insult you, you're right about needing a good tech to work on those parts- and a lot of others. A good mechanic or a good shop is invaluable, I'm cheap by nature- just can't imagine asking someone to replace an alternator, a fuel pump, power steering pump, a drag link or brakes...

I remember reading years ago that in the former Soviet Republic drivers had to be Master Mechanics and Machinists before they could be drivers.

It makes good sense to understand how your ride works, being able to assist and do light repairs makes a driver knowledgeable and well rounded.

All professional drivers want to be well rounded.

 

Their are drivers and their are professional drivers. You know which one you are by what you can an can't do around your truck and your work habits.

Who are you?

 

Powell: If it helps your consciense any there are mechanics and there are technicians. 25% of the time you can get away with using a mechanic, they are the parts changers. A technician verifies the complaint, performs the appropriate diagnostics checks and makes the necessary repairs.The good technicians are harder to find.
With todays engines you need a technician, and you probably will never arise to that level. Keep to the lubricating, oil changes, changing belts and maybe changing a thermostat "Basic" maintenance if you get my drift.

As a mechanic and shop supervisor for CAT for ten years and Cummins for eight years I had a lot of repairs that I had to redo because the "mechanic" diagnosed the problem wrong. That is reality. It takes years to develop the skills to do the job right the first time and without wasting time. Find a good technician and the cost isn't that bad, especially if done right the first time .