York County School of Technology

Diesel Technology

The Diesel Technology program offered at the York County School of Technology is a broad-based program covering everything from basic diesel engine fundamentals to the Pennsylvania State Safety Inspection code. Students experience a hybrid mixture of brain-stimulating academic instruction and job-specific hands-on training.

Students also have the added benefit of training on state-of-the-art equipment frequently used by industry professionals. Currently, the Diesel Technology program at the York County School of Technology is in the process of obtaining accreditation from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

In the classroom, students develop skills in reading, written communication, computation, and critical thinking. Through in-depth lectures, class participation, and written assignment, students gain a basic understanding of diesel engine theory and service, engine design, engine function, and the principles of operation of the diesel engine and its integrated sub-systems. Technical topics, such as gear ratios, cubic inch displacement, electrical circuitry, alignment angles, and the U.S. standard and metric measuring systems, are just a small part of the curriculum of the Diesel Technology program at the York County School of Technology.

In the state-of-the-art training facility, students acquire professional real-world job experience, learning hands-on, how to properly diagnose, repair, and maintain heavy duty diesel trucks and diesel-powered equipment. Students develop analytical, technical, and mechanical skills as they are carefully guided by their instructors, training in all areas of the diesel engine system, including diesel engines, electrical systems, electronic systems, drive trains, fuel systems, brake systems, air intake systems, exhaust systems, steering systems, and suspension systems. Proper procedures for performing preventative maintenance and Pennsylvania State Safety Inspections, as well as welding processes and torch cutting for diesel mechanics are also taught.

By disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and their intricate system components, using advanced diagnostic equipment, service manuals, wiring schematics, electronic test meters, precision measuring tools, power tools, and hand tools, students gain a basic hands-on understanding of diesel engine and heavy equipment service and repair procedures.

Working both independently, and in teams, students learn the importance of interpersonal communication and effective time management, completing each assignment given to them by their instructors with accuracy and proficiency. Hard work ethics, quality workmanship, attention to detail, and professionalism are also stressed throughout the Diesel Technology program offered at the York County School of Technology.