Expert: Dan Liddy - 3/14/2010

Question
Dan,

I just started at Lincoln College Of Technology.  I am shooting for a degree in, "Associate of Occupational Studies in Master Certified Diesel and Truck Technology."   

The course covers, theory, functions, diagnostics, and repair of diesel systems. Knowledge to diagnose and repair electrical and mechanical systems on diesel systems and trucks.  The class also includes Gas Engine Construction and Operation.  That class will include how to disassemble a gas motor and reassemble it.  Some of the other courses include brakes, hydraulics,  truck steering and suspension systems and instruction on how to operate a dyno and a realignment machine.  

The courses at Lincoln College of Technology are 5 weeks each.  I'll be learning one system at a time for 5 hours a day 5 days a week for a total of 5 weeks.  So, for instance, I'd work on welding for 5 weeks, then move onto learn heavy duty drive train for five weeks then diesel fuel systems and tune up for 5 weeks and so on.  The degree itself is 79 credit hours.

Anyways, I wanted to ask you a few questions because you aren't receiving a dime from me, as opposed to the salesman at Lincoln College of Technology that will be generating another $36k for the school to teach me Diesel Technology.  

How different is the basic or entry level knowledge of a diesel degree when compared to an automotive degree?  The reason I'm shooting for diesel mechanic is money.  But in the future, I'd like to take some of the money I can save working as a diesel mechanic and build a car, race it, tune it, race it on track days, test the system, install the electrical, do anything I need to do to it without paying another mechanic labor... You know what I'm saying?  For instance, I want to buy an old fox body from a junk yard, buy the engine block, the parts, assemble it, buy the parts for the suspension, the brakes, electrical and then install it, etc without needing to pay another mechanic to do it.  I don't want to pay for a crate motor either, I'd rather bolt on everything myself.  You know what I'm saying?   Will I have the knowledge to do that, with a full fledged degree in Diesel?

Thanks.

Davis

Answer
Hi Davis ,
Thanks for an unusual question.
Your school curriculum will teach you basic mechanics that apply to all automotive pursuits.

Engine assembly is the same mostly for both Diesel and gas motors. Tuning is a VERY different area and race tuning is somewhat of a black art. Though there is certainly more instrumentation available these days than when I was learning.

You'll find that race cars use slightly different steering and suspension systems than you will find on heavy trucks, and brakes for racing are smaller and more efficient, and designed to work in the presence of intense heat over and over again.

If you can find a way to align yourself with some other racers, you will pick up some knowledge from them as those friendships develop .  I suggest that you seek out and join the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) for an immediate introduction to grassroots amateur road racing , Go to
<< WWW.SCCA.org >>  to find your local region and a list of contacts.

One hint, give up the idea of building your own roll cage. it's a job for experienced experts and should be left to the pros. I've done it and it took forever,  Better to pay the man.  Also, DO NOT buy a project car until you have an idea of the kind of racing you will pursue.  There are a lot of cute little cars out there that simply aren't competitive, or don't have parts availability.  

I'm glad you wrote, please feel free to forward any further questions .

Sincerely

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida