The need for diesel mechanic tools is on the rise. In Europe, since around 2007, about 50 percent of new cars are being built with diesel engines rather than with gasoline engines. With these consumer cars starting to get a bit older, they are requiring more maintenance and repair. With the increasing prevalence of diesel engines being brought into repair shops, mechanics are finding that they now require a proper set of diesel mechanic tools in order to run a successful business.
Diesel mechanic tools and equipment are highly complex and can be very large. This is because diesel engines are extremely complex and can be extremely large! While some basic mechanic tools are necessary for all auto repair jobs, diesel engine repairs sometimes call for heavier equipment and specialized diesel mechanic tools to be used as well. Below you will find a list of some tools that every diesel mechanic should have on hand.
Basic Tools
Don’t forget your basics! Just because you might not be used to fixing diesel engines, don’t mistakenly think you will need a whole new set of tools. Your trusty pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches will definitely be needed in almost every diesel repair job. Complex and large diesel tools can’t reach in hard to reach places like your basic tools can, so keep them close at hand.
Pneumatic Wrench
You may very well need to add a bit of heavier diesel tools and equipment to your basic tools, though. At times diesel mechanics have to use heavy machinery in order to fix the heavy machinery they are working on. This tool, a pneumatic wrench, is a perfect example of that. Some heavy duty bolts on diesel machinery just can’t be removed with a regular wrench set. Having a pneumatic wrench in your tool supply will be extremely useful.
Engine Analyzer
An engine analyzer is a newer development in the world of diesel mechanic tools. It is a complex computerized tool that hooks up to a diesel engine. The engine analyzer can provide diesel mechanics with very specific feedback on how well (or how badly) the diesel engine is performing. Having a diesel engine analyzer in your shop will save a ton of time. No more ‘trial-and-error’ style tinkering around in order to diagnose unobvious problems.
Relief Valve
Diesel engines use extremely high pressure air in their ignition. However, there is a specific maximum pressure in which each engine can handle. If this pressure is too high, then pressure needs to be relieved. The relief valve is an essential diesel mechanic tool that helps to drain pressurized fluid of the engine’s system.
Injector Timing Tool
Diesel engines operate on internal combustion. This means that highly pressured hot air is mixed with fuel, which spontaneously combusts and ignites. This combustion process must be timed just right. The injector timing tool aids diesel mechanics in setting the injection timing accurately. This is done by correctly setting the injector height, depending on the engine’s specifications.
Diesel Compression Test Adapter
This tool is also extremely important to have on hand. As afore mentioned, diesel engines work with very high pressures. If compression pressure goes over the engine’s maximum, disaster can occur. The diesel compression test adapter tool allows diesel mechanics to measure what the compression pressure is and see if it is too high. These tools come with special adapters for the several diesel engine types. To use this tool, attach the appropriate adapter then run the compression test to gauge the pressure.
While this list of diesel mechanic tools is far from exhaustive, it should give mechanics and diesel engine car lovers an idea of some of the staple tools you should have around the garage. Because there is a large range in the size and complexity of diesel mechanic tools, these tools also come in large range of prices. For example, basic tool sets can be found for around $15 whereas larger, more complex equipment will set you back thousands of dollars. Most mechanics order their diesel mechanic tools online, but they can also be found in major auto part shops and or large retail stores.
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