Diesel fitters are responsible for the repair and maintenance of diesel engines. These include engines on trucks, tractors, earth-moving machinery, pumps, oil rigs and marine engines.
Diesel fitters detect faults and damage in diesel engines and fuel injection systems. They measure the parts to ascertain the extent of the damage and wear and tear and then repair or replace the parts. Much of the work requires meticulous adherence to standards and specifications and all vehicles are thoroughly tested before being returned to the owner.
Diesel fitters are required to use complex measuring equipment such as micrometers, tachometers, and dynamometers. They use hand tools such as spanners, torque wrenches and specialised testing equipment, and fuel injection equipment that has to be kept in a sealed, dust free room.
Diesel fitters work mostly in workshops and sometimes outdoors. The work can be rather dirty and noisy at times.