DEM 104 : Basic Engines
Credits
3Prerequisites
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Mr. Jeremy Smith, Chairperson
256.352.8063
jeremy.smith@wallacestate.edu
Associate in Applied Science Degree (4-5 Semesters)
Certificate (4 Semesters)
Short-Term Certificates (1 Semester)
Diesel service technicians, which include bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists, repair and maintain the diesel engines that power transportation equipment such as heavy trucks, buses and diesel marine applications, light/medium diesel trucks, industrial diesel applications, agricultural applications and locomotives. Some diesel technicians also repair heavy vehicles and mobile equipment, including bulldozers, cranes, road graders, farm tractors, and combines. Technicians need a state commercial driver’s license (CDL) to test-drive trucks and buses on public roads.
WSCC offers an Associate in Applied Science, a Certificate and several Short-Term Certificates in Diesel Technology and provides CDL training and testing for those interested in a career in diesel technician or truck driver. This program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to be employed in the diesel industry. It consists of classroom theory, computer lab applications, and the hands-on lab application of technician processes. Most recently the diesel technology program incorporated a new component called Diesel by Distance which provides students with a more flexible schedule and a virtual reality headset to practice certain tasks before coming to the lab.
Students must meet all the general admission requirements of WSCC.
Technicians must be versatile in order to adapt to customers’ needs and new technologies. It is common for technicians to handle all kinds of repairs, from working on a vehicle’s electrical system one day to doing major engine repairs the next. In modern shops, diesel service technicians use handheld and laptop computers to diagnose problems and adjust engine functions.
WSCC diesel technology student will be required to meet industry standard for employment.
Jobs available to graduates of this program are heavy truck diesel technician, light truck diesel technician, medium duty diesel truck technician, heavy equipment technician, diesel engine specialist, marine diesel technician, service writer, heavy truck parts inventory clerk, service manager, heavy truck parts manager truck driver, and preventive maintenance technician to name a few.
Median hourly earnings of bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists, including incentive pay, were $24.13 in 2020, with an annual salary of $50,200. Median hourly earnings of heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers were $22.66 in 2020, with an annual salary of $47,130. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)
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Electrical Systems
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This course provides instruction on the safety aspects when heavy utility vehicle service and repairs are performed in the shop or in the field. Upon completion, students should be able to identify heavy utility vehicles, their components (as related to safety concerns), and safety concerns when dealing with repairs in the field and the shop. Students will be able to identify the tools associated with heavy utility vehicle repairs and the proper use of these tools. Students will perform lab tasks safely in the shop environment. Students will have an understanding of the operation of a heavy utility vehicle and the safety concerns associated with the operation of these types of vehicles and the repairs when failures occur on heavy utility vehicles.
This course introduces the student to the vehicle and body maintenance inspection for heavy utility vehicles and the Department of Transportation Inspection Procedures. Emphasis is placed on maintaining and inspecting heavy utility vehicles. Upon completion, students should be able to develop and understand the daily inspection procedures for a heavy utility vehicle prior to the vehicle going on the highway. Special emphasis is placed on chassis and body inspection procedures, as outlined by the Department of Transportation.
This course introduces the student to basic fluid power concepts and fundamentals. It provides the principles of hydraulics and component operation. Emphasis is placed on graphic symbols and schematics, fluids and conditioners, reservoirs, pumps, valves, actuators, conductors and connectors, accumulators and accessories. Upon completion, students should be able to identify components, test systems and repair hydraulic issues on heavy utility body systems.
This course introduces the student to advanced fluid power concepts and fundamentals. It provides the principles of advanced hydraulics and component operation. Emphasis is placed on advanced hydraulics, trouble shooting and diagnostics, preventive maintenance and the repair of hydraulic circuits on heavy utility vehicles. Upon completion, students should be able to test, troubleshoot and repair hydraulic issues on heavy utility body systems.
HEAVY UTILITY VEHICLES FLUID POWER I
This course introduces the student to basic Electrical/Electronic concepts and fundamentals. It provides the principles of electricity, magnetism, and Ohm’s Law. Emphasis is placed on lighting circuits, which include series, parallel and series-parallel circuits, as well as troubleshooting and the repair of wiring harnesses, lights and electronic circuits on trailers. Upon completion, students should be able to identify components, test systems, and repair electrical issues on heavy utility body systems.
This course introduces the student to diesel electronic system concepts. It provides the principles of CAN systems, vehicle cab controls and repair using Ohm’s Law concepts. Emphasis is placed on cab circuits, which include series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. Troubleshooting and repair of wiring harnesses, lights, cab circuits and CAN electronic circuits on vehicle cab and chassis. Upon completion, students should be able to identify components, test systems, and repair electrical issues on heavy truck, light truck and heavy equipment cab chassis systems.