 Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology
The hands-on approach to AVTEC's Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technologies program helps students learn how to service, maintain, and repair equipment ranging from dump trucks to bulldozers. As most equipment is powered by diesel engines, students will disassemble, measure, and reassemble engines to factory specifications. The technology changes in the past few years have led to the use of laptop and dedicated scan tools for diagnosis of electronically controlled engines and systems. Because of the complexity of this equipment, students should have good mechanical aptitude, and strong reading and mathematics skills, and should also possess a desire to succeed. Approximately 60% of the course is shop work and 40% is classroom instruction. Instruction is individualized so that students may progress at their own rate. Good reading and math skills are essential. The nature of the training requires that students work outdoors. Warm clothing, rain gear, and proper boots are required. Construction equipment such as dump trucks, road graders, front-end loaders, back hoes, bulldozers, and a large transport truck are utilized by students developing mechanical skills. Earn University of Alaska Credit While Attending AVTECDiesel/Heavy Equipment Technology graduates may earn up to 26 University of Alaska college credits towards the requirements of an Associate of Applied Science Diesel Technology Degree. Program ContentTo achieve a Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technologies certificate, students must complete the following requirements. For a detailed description of each requirement, click on the link below.
Occupational LevelsOccupational levels of Technician Level 3, Technician Level 2, or Technician Level 1 will be assigned upon successful completion of the training program based on the student’s proficiency of the program’s competencies. Program ContentRelated Studies
Participate in school safety orientation, complete achievement tests, obtain
First Aid & CPR card, complete applied math class and
computer skills practice, participate in resume writing and job search training,
participate in interview and communications training.
General Shop OperationsIdentify, use, and maintain basic shop tools, demonstrate the proper use of
hand tools and basic power tools, define and apply mechanic terminology, identify
common fasteners, read tap and thread chart and perform basic tapping and
threading, identify and use precision measuring tools. Brakes
Describe the design and operation of air and hydraulic brake systems, describe
air and hydraulic supply system and service, truck rear axle brake application
system and service, trailer brake application and service, tractor steering
axle brake application system and service; service hydraulic and air brakes on
truck or loader. Tire Repair
State safety issues and demonstrate proficiency in the repair of tires,
service and repair a large truck and loader tire. Service light truck, truck, and heavy equipment tires. Introduction to Commercial Transportation
Covers federal regulations, record keeping, shop management and the role of the mechanic, tools, fasteners
and general shop operations. Introduction to trucks, buses and motor coaches. Chassis Components
Remove and replace vehicle clutch, repack and adjust wheel bearings, disassemble and reassemble 3- and
4-speed transmissions, disassemble, reassemble and adjust differential
assembly, diagnose and repair chassis and suspension components including air suspension systems. Electrical
Service batteries, troubleshoot and repair vehicle wiring and lighting
systems, service ignition systems, including tune-up, timing and repair,
explain the basic theory of ignition system operations, service starters;
including bench testing rebuilt units, explain theory of starting system
operations and generator/regulator system operations, service alternators;
including bench testing rebuilt units, explain theory of alternator system
operation. Use scan tools and scopes to diagnose system operation and malfunction. Includes electronic fuel systems and advance driveability diagnosis. Transmissions
Describe the construction, operation, inspection and maintenance of the
standard transmission, describe service procedures for standard transmissions,
describe the construction, operation, inspection and maintenance of the
automatic transmission, service a standard and an automatic transmission. Hydraulic Systems
Identify hydraulic components, understand basic pumps, explain hydraulic
principles, demonstrate industrial applications and hydraulic systems. Engines
Identify different diesel engines, explain the basics of diesel engine
functions, demonstrate basic repair practices, disassemble engines, clean and
inspect all part, inspect and measure all parts for wear using
manufacturers’ specifications, grind valves and seats, explain camshaft
functions, measure, knurl or replace valve guides, replace engine bearings and
measure clearance, install cylinder liners, fit pistons to connecting rods,
correctly install piston rings, assemble engine and all associated parts, test
run and adjust engine to specifications, troubleshoot various engine problems. Fuel Systems
Inspect fuel systems, identify fuel system components, understand fuel system
flow, demonstrate fuel filter replacement, demonstrate fuel system bleeding
procedure, troubleshoot fuel system problems, install and time fuel injection
pumps, remove and install fuel injectors, clean and adjust fuel injectors,
clean and adjust fuel injectors, basic understanding of computer controlled injection pumps and fuel injectors. Engine Cooling and LubricationExplain Automated Precision, Inc. oil classification system, working knowledge of oil filters and
filtration systems, working knowledge of oil pumps and oil supply, understand
oil coolers. Correctly identify all parts of cooling system, understand functions of a
water pump and pump development, understand workings of a thermostat, inspect
and test heat exchangers, correct use of antifreeze. Intake and Exhaust Systems
Understand intake manifolds, air filters and air filtration system, inspect
and service air intake systems. Identify exhaust system components, diagnose
leaks and repair. Understand and service Tier 4 DPF Urea systems and filters.
Understand the function of and service the turbo charger and EGR systems. Undercarriage
Remove and replace track on crawler tractor, disassemble and reassemble final
drive on crawler tractor, remove, repair and install swing frames on a crawler
tractor, replace cutting edges on blade, use torch, porta-power, and/or
hydraulic press to straighten parts on equipment, jack up and install blocking
or jack stands on heavy equipment. Governors
Identify,
test, and properly maintain various governors. Arc and Gas Welding
Perform basic welding safety, solder, braze, oxy-acetylene cutting and welding techniques. Cab/Body Systems
Covers cab and body systems, HVAC service and diagnosis, refrigerant types and regulations. Education/Technical Knowledge
Write up parts list, carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or
diagrammatic form, read manuals and apply to work situation, apply mechanics
math as required. MissionTo teach students the skills and competencies of servicing, maintaining, and repairing construction machinery and diesel engines. Length of Course1,346 clock hours, 204 training days EnrollmentAugust and January Training Hours8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday PrerequisitesGood math and reading skills are important. TABE tests scores for this program
must be: For specific information on entry guidelines in reading and mathematics for this program, contact the Admissions Office at (800) 478-5389. Construction equipment such as dump trucks, road graders, front-end loaders, back hoes, bulldozers, and a large transport truck are utilized by students developing mechanical skills. Physical requirements of the occupation are the ability to lift 100 lbs., carry 50 lbs., stoop, kneel, crawl, walk, and stand continuously. The work also requires good finger dexterity. Students will need to provide their own tools.  Return
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Normally, half
of the
investment of a mining, construction, or logging business is in equipment.
Good preventive maintenance is a priority and contributes to the success
of the business. 
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