I found a mechanic on Craigslist offering his services. He says he owns a small shop in town and he claims to be a certified ASE diesel mechanic. Before I turn over my truck to him to work on, is there any way I can make sure he is a certified and competent mechanic?
Who knows? I was a heavy truck and diesel mechanic long before the ASE deal came out. I was asking a friend who's strictly an automobile mechanic (and younger than me) the other day what the ASE qualification exactly meant. His answer was it means you're a successful test taker. I sure don't know it all, but by some posts here with ASE heavy truck certified in the sig, it makes me curious how many SSHD, SQHD Rockwell tandem differentials, 13 spd. Roadrangers, 855 Cummins, etc, etc, they've torn into recently if ever.
On the other hand, I bet the ASE certified shops do a lot of good sifting out the low-life shadetree types from real mechanics. Years ago on the side, I worked on a tow company's fleet of trucks for extra money. He let two guys "mechanic" for towed in customers in the back of his shop. They were screwing people left and right. I actually saw them re-install a set of heads with just an impact wrench. Of course they probably had to hurry, I think there were warrants out for them in most states.
Where I worked we usually sent out "small stuff", like pickups and vans, etc, and I got to know some of the small independent shop owners and the ones we chose were really fair, went out of their way to give good service, hired great mechanics, etc. I'd ask around in your local area, with the price of labor, word travels regarding the good independent shops.
Like LMDJ said, all it means is you can pass a written test. However being certified is a good sign that the person has technical knowledge.
I suppose it depends what kind of work you need done. Diagnostics and problem solving take a "book smart" person, where an "old fashoined" mechanic will do better at basic "wrenching" work. Ideally a person of one type would have someone of the other type to rely on for advice.
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1985 International rollback, 6.9L 5 speed "Li'l Big Truck"
A third handy quality is a "photographic memory". We had one great mechanic I worked with for years that could remember something odd-ball or a critical spec about a component he'd had apart 5 years previous. Same with a dealership parts man we had at another shop. He was as sharp as any mechanic but had the patience and tact of a freight train. I heard him say more than once to a "know it all" do it yourselfer with an attitude, "Do you want the part you're asking for, or do you want the part you need?"
Like LMDJ said, all it means is you can pass a written test. However being certified is a good sign that the person has technical knowledge.
I suppose it depends what kind of work you need done. Diagnostics and problem solving take a "book smart" person, where an "old fashoined" mechanic will do better at basic "wrenching" work. Ideally a person of one type would have someone of the other type to rely on for advice.
DISAGREED 1000% HANDS ON TRAINING IN BY FAR BETTER THAN PAPER I HAVE HIRE 3 TECH THAT WERE PAPER TRAINED THEY NO LONGER WORK FOR ME THEY CAN NOT TROUBLE SHOOT THEY JUST GIVE YOU THEORIES
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drag racing is like sex it's more fun to do than to watch
Gott'a agree, Drford, now that you mention it. Case in point, a few times over the years we'd get a truck/heavy equipment/diesel instructor from a local college wanting to work in our shop during summer vacation. I think the longest time one lasted was 1 week before he was told to walk.
And the "grease monkeys" I went through auto school with probably can't diagnose either. Yet they always called me "book smart" because I could read, write and do math.
It comes down to the person. Many people that work on cars are simply parts changers. Lots of people that would make great mechanics work in other fields because they can make more money without laying out tens of thousands of dollars for tools.
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1985 International rollback, 6.9L 5 speed "Li'l Big Truck"
Lots of people that would make great mechanics work in other fields because they can make more money without laying out tens of thousands of dollars for tools.
Quote by LMJD "Who knows? I was a heavy truck and diesel mechanic long before the ASE deal came out. I was asking a friend who's strictly an automobile mechanic (and younger than me) the other day what the ASE qualification exactly meant. His answer was it means you're a successful test taker."
I have spent the last 35+ yrs spending in excess of 50K on tools to "keep up". I have been employed by the State of Calif. in a COMPLETELY different field. I am proud to say that I am the "personal mechanic" of many people at my "work". Not trying to toot my own horn,but I would whole heartedly agree with Mr Roboto, and LMJD about the "passing a test" post.
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1994 F-350 7.3 IDI Turbo, crew cab,LB, Dually,
ATS Turbo upgrades, 3" DP with 3" exhaust Magnaflow XL muffler
1997 Jayco fifth wheel 323RKS, Robins 16K dual axis hitch
Apillar pod with: Autometer C2 Series gauges: pyro,trans, boost
Hypermax Cowl induction
Flex-A-Lite 26K tranny cooler w/fan
K&N air filter (we'll see in a million miles)
Tekonsha "prodigy" brake control
By taking a look plus location, I think I get what you do. If I'm right, good for you. One of the gazillion Harley guys passing through heading to Sturgis last year is a supervisor in the same line of work (if I'm correct), same area too, and I was really surprised at the good pay scale nowdays. Sure beats turning wrenches any day! Sorry to get off topic.
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