A Day With A Diesel Engine Mechanic. A Day in the Life of a Cat Tech.

In this video we are showing what an actual day in the life of a Diesel Engine Mechanic is like. Also have a Destruction of the Week. Thanks for watching.
Questions can be sent to [e-mail] and donations can be sent to [e-mail] on PayPal.
Tools used in video on Amazon.
Precision Instruments 1/2" Torque Wrench: amzn.to/3pgwqa6
Precision Instruments 3/8" Torque Wrench: amzn.to/2NmFUlQ
IR Needle Scaler: amzn.to/3sQGvMX
Solvent Sprayer: amzn.to/2Y7DDNE
OXO Flavor Injector/Grease Application Needle: amzn.to/3pgsZQz

[@gustavocarrillo327]

What a professional, cleans block, torques his bolts down, paints. Doing some solid work there buddy!

[@norcalray7182]

I really like this type of videos. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@alanackermann7799]

I feel more confident owning a diesel knowing you and your videos are around. Thank you!

[@AdeptApe]

I'm glad you feel that way. I'm not the best mechanic out there, but I try to be.

[@tshephomutizira5853]

This is the videos we want MA man, not just talking for hours. Keep it up

[@dhillonsavee]

2021 is Josh''s year..... Love to see new videos that often from you. Thanks a ton...

[@bk89able]

Great video! It’s nice to see someone go above and beyond when doing an overhaul. Those rubber dipstick hole plugs never get replaced and always are rock hard and causing oil goo buildup around them. I always knock them out anytime I have a pan off

[@acemobile9806]

I wish you had extended that C15 idle clip longer. Sounded so even, injector clearance set absolutely perfect 😁 nice job! I could go to sleep listening to that 😍 a good sounding one never gets old.

[@JohnDiMartino]

Great video....the amount of measuring cleaning and preparation that goes into an in frame cannot be understated....it’s no place to cut corners or costs,do it once do it right, the intake valve actuator issues are so aggravating,you were in there ,and the customer cheaped out and it costs everyone.

[@miguelw2491]

Dude, you hit it out of the park on this video! Hopefully, this will be your new format for 2021. Your classroom format is very educational but I felt like I was in the shop with you and wanting to grab a wrench! Thank you

[@AdeptApe]

We will see how this video does, but I'm still going to make the discussion style ones as well.

[@miguelw2491]

@@AdeptApe Not sure your thoughts but it appears this video has amassed a significant number of views in a relative short period of time. Congrats

[@Curtisbroughton]

Thank you for the video, regarding water pump. . I didn’t have the side of the oil cooler off. I’m trying to do it with t-stat housing removed. Thanks again. You are the best!

[@michaelquigley3670]

Love your channel! My late dad was a diesel mechanic from his teens until he retired at age 70. Worked for Ohio Cat, Alban Cat and retired from Mustang Cat. Used to claim he bled Cat yellow if you cut him. I wish he was still around as I know he would’ve enjoyed your channel.

[@rev9fan1]

Good this will show what mechanics have to go through, and why parts that aren't attached to the item that is the issue are usually replaced. I hate when people think mechanics are scamming them just for money, most of the time it needed replaced anyway!

[@eduardotejeda]

I like the new format. Thanks for sharing.

[@duncandmcgrath6290]

I work on aircraft for a living, the Hotsy parts washer is loved

[@awallace2103]

👍👍👍👍👍if i had ten thumbs they would be all up👍👍👍👍👍you are a top number one mechanic

[@elijahguzik4618]

great video, im a cat heavy technician in canada but also do some minor things on trucks infrequently so the small tips can be helpfull. its nice to see someone else find that same issue and have similar struggles on the job.

[@4X4F250Diesel]

I'm just the opposite I work late midnight is my end of day, but I have flexibility to do this as I'm the shop owner. Keep up the good work.

[@williamhague2768]

It’s not easy but it’s rewarding. We all gotta work to get by .. and if you do, it’s really cool to do something interesting and something your good at. It’s also... very cool... to be currently really good at what you do and... to share it as well. Well Done. Thanks.

[@mikekotarba5828]

Thank you for the videos you do for us.

[@blacksmoke5009]

Working on several c13 engines I can attest to the fact that always address the IVA’s otherwise it’s gonna bite ya in the ass later ! Guaranteed! Thanks for sharing always great content 👍

[@trevornewton9687]

A lot of respect for these guys my older brother is a diesel mechanic absolute genius guy and works harder then anybody I know

[@jeffsmith8066]

I work in the power system dept at my local cat dealer. I love working on gensets and haven't looked back to on highway trucks

[@Robasteerjock51]

You are one smart dude..thanks for taking us along..my motorcoach has the C15 600 hp..

[@AdeptApe]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@blauer2551]

Another excellent video. I understand my truck more after each one.

[@arounasidibe3980]

Thank you for teaching I'm learning a lot from you keep it up 👍

[@toddcodd2714]

Always love to see you posted. Awesome video! Keep up the great content

[@AdeptApe]

Thank you.

[@MojoDevirus]

Thank you for the tour sir. =)

[@TheBandit7613]

I work on the other side of the fence. I'm a CAT heavy equipment operator. To be completely honest, I'm not quite smart enough to do your job. However, I have a certain "feel" for when dirt is the angle it needs to be. More than others around me so I'm number one. I move the most earth, much faster than others which saves the owner machine time, labor time, diesel... money. I make the most.

[@ElectronsOnly]

Wow that's an early start to your day. I hope you live close by work!

[@AdeptApe]

Sure do, only a couple miles away. Not every day is that early, was just trying to get the rebuild done.

[@cameronnerdin4910]

Yeah, and on sunday morning he wakes up at 4:30 just like I did this morning. UGH I hate getting up so early all week. LOL

[@metaspencer]

Great video, man! That engine at the end was a bummer. Cool to see your new shop

[@aboudiallo3259]

Good work

[@Smiling_mike]

Thank you for sharing your very informative & interesting videos

[@bretyoung1869]

Great job 👍🏽

[@michaelbenoit248]

I wish the engine manufacturers had sticked with the mechanical injection over the electronic, but oh well. Thanks EPA.

[@christiancancio8654]

Mechanical pump is more reliable

[@brucejones2354]

The older injection systems often were a bit more reliable, maybe, but in my career I have had MANY pumps and injectors into the shop to be rebuilt. The great advantage of the electronic injection systems are the precise control over the amount of fuel that gets injected, this gives us better fuel economy, and Best Of All, longer engine life because the excess fuel that was injected with the old systems that would dilute the oil. In the 60s through the 80s you would expect to do an overhaul every 250,000 miles on the average. My 2000 C12 is going on 2,029,700 miles with 1 major overhaul, caused by an oil cooler leak (a BIG ONE) that got coolant into the oil and spun a main bearing and 2 rod bearings. Cat didn't have a factory reman available for 2 months, so I pulled the engine, had the block line bored, new crank, new cam, complete overhaul. That was at just over 889,000 miles. In the interim I have replaced 5 of the 6 injectors, 1 head, ( because some IDIOT dropped the nut and washer that holds the air cleaner in place down the intake manifold after doing an overhead for me), the rest is just regular maintenance on the engine. You Couldn't even get close to that mileage with a mechanical injection system! Currently after a full service, I will get about 10,000 miles before I have to add a gallon of oil, after that I will add another 2 gallons in the next 5,000 miles until the next full service. Now this is in a carcarrier with all the cars hanging out in the wind (kinda like hanging a 35 foot parachute on the back) so this engine has been at full power for most of its life!

[@aceb9147]

@@brucejones2354 it's all in how the equipment is used and set up... But in my area.... It's many a big cam cummins,detroit 12.7,or n14s... With a million and a half miles and working shoot even it's all relative really( it's folks who swear your c12 is a time bomb form instance..)..they are out here working alongside truck of the same vintage and newer. And most are only averaging maybe a mile to a mile and a half of better fuel economy Give or take.

[@robertweitlauf4653]

@@brucejones2354 most of the problems i see are from low sulfur fuel in older equipment. and you can't get the customer to use a fuel additive. i work on older mechanical injection engines and new electronic engines. the base engine is not the problem its all the crap they bolt to them. give me an old mechanical injection engine any day.

[@brucejones2354]

@@robertweitlauf4653, Amen to that! This is the Reason I still operate a 2000 Freightliner. I have spent a BUNCH of money on maintainance of the truck in the over 2 million miles, but not as much as a new truck would cost ($350,000). The thing is this truck is in the shop less than the new trucks in the fleet. About 3 months ago, for example, we had 6 of the new Peterbilts in the shop at the same time, all the while I was just out there making money with my old truck.

[@jeremywilliams4381]

12.7 series 60 for the win! Love the 12.7, die hard engine. Just had a rebuild done on her, 1.2 million miles. Love a detroit but nothing pulls like my old 6NZ CAT.

[@06lbzduramax3500]

Appreciate the videos! I always used buffing pad on a die grinder to clean the decks till I watched your last video I was rebuilding a 6.8 Deere and I used your technique of scraping and sanding it came out great I won’t be going back to the die grinder at least on parts that really matter for sealing

[@AdeptApe]

Hey that is great to hear. People will look at you crazy, but you'll know you are doing a better job. On the C15 here in the video, I did only a very light sanding after scraping and was very happy with the results. You have to do a little when cutting the counterbores as it makes a ridge, but it is the right way to go I think.

[@williamdavies8151]

I just found this! I do enjoy watching. Keep up the good work!!

[@MrBuzzsaw118911]

4am? wish I could sleep in that late bud, you got soft hands brother

[@ancormane524]

Great videos man

[@AdeptApe]

Thank you.

[@danhayes3546]

Love watching your videos 👍

[@markheater470]

New subscriber. Great job on the videos. You do a great job explaining what you are doing and the tools you are using, a real tech. Thank you!!!

[@AdeptApe]

Thank you for subscribing and watching.

[@idessaoutlaw]

I'm glad I don't have to deal with any computer crap..😎👌My 93 Pete 379 3406b is still rolling along.

[@joerangel611]

Josh Thank You Great video

[@ronaldpiper4812]

Driving several years. I seen the name tag. I could guess on dealer name but will not. Taking parts from Morton to dealer and or the Rdc was a lot of fun. Except D 9 track groups. Nasty sliding them out.

[@deankruse8751]

My shop gets parts from Morton pretty regularly when the truck is passing through on its way to Clayton. Its a good deal having both warehouses to pull from

[@gradybrown8457]

Hay man Cat got a good dude on their team iam learning so much about Cat engine by watching your videos keep up the good work 👏 🙌 👍

[@mohammadalissa8255]

you are really great guy, smart ,and brilliant your channel is a real school for caterpillar

[@AdeptApe]

Thank you Mohammad.

[@FriscoBossFriscoBoss]

Love the video keep it up bro

[@michaeldunagan8268]

Interesting! I thought about switching from truck driver to diesel tech. The $36,000 UTI price tag and the watching this video are going to keep me eastbound and down, liaded up and trucking. I failed in a former life as an auto mechanic but I did not get formal schooling.

[@larrytalley117]

OMG this may be the best video you have ever made, and with a bonus C7 destruction!! I hope my C7 never looks like that! And love the haircut.

[@AdeptApe]

Thank you Larry, I like it too. Just talking about what I do all day.

[@MARTINN7777]

I dont truck anymore but love Cats,and these videos.

[@AdeptApe]

Thank you.

[@alstuart]

The patch on your uniform @13:51 shows the company you work for.

[@byronmill]

And school district 271 in Idaho is Coeur d'Alene.

[@user-xn9rv5dq1m]

Very good job 👏

[@felixvelasco3484]

Gracias maestro muy bien vídeo💪💪💪💪💪

[@trinidaddave4691]

I hope the C7 at the end was just a teaser, I would like see how the issue is resolved. Thanks for the video.

[@codyamrhein8965]

I miss the track bolts as hold downs. Cat is on another level as far as pride and ownership or work! I’ve seen it first hand.

[@whatsthebuzz2]

Thanks 👍

[@davidwalle5025]

Great Cat video.

[@gordoncorey8023]

Good work 😉👋👍

[@mauriceornelas]

Good video

[@smact1]

Seen the funnel update on c18 I done the other week, still caked the spacer plate gasket with aviation sealant.

[@IndianTruckWorkshop]

Great 👍

[@tomhaberman4569]

When I have issues with the clutch position, I usually just disable the parameter for it if it's available.

[@codycall6513]

At least you have somewhat decent access to work on these. I work on them in motorhomes, usually under the master bedroom mattress with the smallest access and 3 feet below the floor.

[@joewheeler3544]

Dude you are awesome! I've never seen one thing that you have posted that is not SPOT ON! Thanks so much. When I get there down on how to send you some cash I'm diff gonna through you some! Thanks dude!!!!

[@AdeptApe]

I appreciate the kind words very much. I make mistakes just like everyone else.

[@bigryanm7083]

hello AdeptApe, im learning thru ur videos, there’s a hard part of this job also but u make it more enjoyable and sharing it to us plus maybe better than being a truck driver,lol, even tho i wanna drive trucks..

[@lmtsmt847]

Great job

[@AdeptApe]

Thank you.

[@lmtsmt847]

@@AdeptApe I am a certified master my self an u never stop learning in this feild u are doin so many people a great favor

[@alexalanis8077]

Work at a Cat truck center and wish we started at 5am instead of 8. Used to work at a beer distributor and this 8-430 or 5 isn't working too great for my home projects.

[@jonurieta818]

more videos like these please

[@rynierlock8091]

My dream job is to become a cat technician! i love watching your videos i have learned alot about cat and diesel overall from watching your vids .im 21 years old currently studying diesel theory my second year.

[@AdeptApe]

I really enjoy it still. Been in it for closing in on 20 years here soon. Hope you like it and thanks for watching.

[@cwj9202]

@@AdeptApe - You don't look old enough to be at it for almost two decades!!!! And that is a good thing! Your long-time followers are aware of your length of duty at CAT though. Measuring liner protrusion after piston installation?

[@Florian5120Pro]

@@cwj9202 yes this measuring is important. Perhaps something is wrong with the liner protection with the new liners. This could cause huge damage to the new rebuilded engine.

[@srdoberman]

You're" Top Cat " in my book.

[@astroluk1044]

I just came across your channel. I cant believe we work for the same dealership!! I work at the Pendleton Oregon branch as a heavy equipment tech.

[@AdeptApe]

I'm not sure "which" dealership that could be. I did just move a few months ago so I'm a newbie here.

[@astroluk1044]

@@AdeptApe Western States Equipment

[@peteengard9966]

Nothing like finding tools in the nooks and crannies. I found a Cat injector height tool still on the injector on a C15. I also have a 12 inch extension found behind a starter. I would have liked to have seen you pulling on those head bolts. I always said it's like rowing an Iowa class battleship. At least those truck chassis are open. It sucks when you have to remove some of the dashboard just to get the pushrods out. Or you get one click on the torque wrench.

[@AdeptApe]

My first rebuild was a C13 in a tour bus, no idea about weird positions for that one.

[@chrise3801]

I just used one of those new head gaskets on my rebuild 👍👍👍

[@AdeptApe]

We did a couple 6NZ rebuilds a month ago and they still had the old style gasket in the kit.

[@chrise3801]

@@AdeptApe I must've had one of the first ones then because the call çenter had to look it up because it was an updated part #,and when I picked it up the parts lady rechecked the part number a few times and stressed that there's no refunds if the box is open haha,this was in late November

[@bk89able]

I did a head back in September and had to order the new gasket kit, dealers were still depleting inventory on the old style. Those little oil funnels seem to have cured the famous leak between the spacer plate and block though! It’s about time there’s a solution

[@stevehancock1698]

great vids man old school for me 3406B 18DOUBLE OVER 44LBS EATONS All is good maybe im simple btw destruction of the week outstanding. OUCH !! for the owner of the freak shaker tho

[@bendeleted9155]

When foreigners cap on the U.S. about not going metric, I like to point out that their metric sockets have 1/4", 1/2", 3/4" drives.

[@liamjerkins7259]

What about the poor old 3/8 drive? Are you just gonna throw the most beloved out of all of them under the bus like that?....

[@bendeleted9155]

@@liamjerkins7259 never heard of it. 😉

[@landerson1012]

And if you look at European vehicle tire sizes, they're all in "inch" rim sizes. Kinda funny that they use American standard sized rims.😁

[@Ratkill9000]

So nice that the company you work for allows you to film. I would probably be fired from my place of work if I wanted to film a day as a used car tech.

[@AdeptApe]

Well I do it as I work and don't let it interfere with my job. Hopefully it isn't ever a big problem.

[@dariessumler7557]

Y

[@intn14]

I tried to get into this with the think Big program a few years ago. I didn’t do too well on the screening test where they give you a box of nuts, bolts, parts, and a drawing and say to put it together. Someone else got it.

[@AdeptApe]

The correct way Cat likes you to assemble that is to dump them all in the dirt, kick them around, pour hydraulic oil on them, squirt grease on them, then say you are waiting to hear back from Caterpillar on how to assemble them and if it is warranty.

[@MrMarkguth]

I think I know where you work, I’ll code name it Whisky Sierra lol thanks for the great videos 🇦🇺

[@AdeptApe]

I did a pretty bad job of hiding it 😉

[@limoshbs]

Great video💐💐💐💐

[@TheFoMoCo1903]

Removing the oil cooler reminds me of pulling Ford modular engine intakes off, you never know what tools or nests you'll find.

[@brownwrench]

Find whole d cell flashlights in Detroit EMDs

[@JasonSmith-xw1qp]

The new head gasket return oil seal does work better. So far no leaks.

[@AdeptApe]

Glad to hear that, it seems like a really thick seal.

[@JasonSmith-xw1qp]

Makes you wonder why they didn’t do this sooner.

[@franktanner1953]

Hi, I thoroughly enjoy all your videos! They are so informative and always fun to watch! I was wondering what rotisserie you were using for the cylinder head? I was wondering what brand and model it was and where someone could order one? Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@ThePeterbiltrucker]

2 thumbs up 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MDSaddam78604]

Hello sir 💖 I'm from Bangladesh your new subscribers I'm a mechanic

[@slowaf12v]

Love the videos josh...i work on the equipment side and would love to collaborate with you one day!!

[@chrisbarnes2823]

I enjoyed the part about the liner heights, we had a engine in a new truck which kept blowing head gaskets. Dealer kept replacing the gasket without checking why it was blowing!! Turned out the counter bore for the liners on 5 and 6 were .016” too deep from the factory!! They had to replace the block.

[@AdeptApe]

The liners were sunk by .015 from the factory? That is A LOT.

[@chrisbarnes2823]

@@AdeptApe yes , and as my background was machining engine blocks I don’t understand how it got past final inspection or assembly inspection.

[@AdeptApe]

What engine was that?

[@chrisbarnes2823]

@@AdeptApe I believe it was a Cummins ISX 450.

[@Amritpal-eo8oo]

Nice video bro ❤ iam from panjab(india)

[@RichardJW1]

ohhh ferrules like on my 1965 D4D :-)

[@valerieumphenour3565]

Needle scaler is an old Navy BM tool. Been around forever.

[@mickromer6199]

Had customer ring today wants me to rebuild a C15 out of two engines 🤦 I told the boss I'm not keen on the idea I can't see this job becoming a headache 🇭🇲

[@Alexander.0671]

3:47 shows district number 271. Gives a general idea

[@dantew6708]

you should make more videos like this when you can

[@davemachoukas6175]

Sweet

[@nhzxboi]

Normally closed circuit with an open somewhere. Irrelevant, but software folks insist that it is. Yea, frustrating. Betting programming is from India.

[@kevinwatt5629]

LOL 99% sure i know where you are, beautiful big lake you live near! Fun water park not to far!

[@AdeptApe]

Can't confirm such things, but you might be close.

[@kevinwatt5629]

@@AdeptApe oh i know, LOL

[@usmanmechanics2950]

V.good

[@BBaker-fr4op]

Imagine having the knowledge to fully rebuild your own truck at the cost of just the components and your time

[@brownwrench]

You're missing out on all the modern fun with SCRs.

[@jaydunbar7538]

They work on newer stuff as well

[@jeffsmith8066]

I do enjoy working on newer emissions equipment. I stay pretty clean lol

[@azahelresendiz]

My dad kenworth engine brake wasn’t working and I had to replaced the clutch pedal sensor. Before we get the new sensor I just put a fuse to bypass it 😅

[@AdeptApe]

It's a common problem with trucks that have these invisible brake and clutch inputs.

[@johnnyheckard7185]

@@AdeptApe If I’m not mistaken I’m pretty sure you can use cat et and go to parameters and just set it for no clutch switch then run your test and after just set it back. That way the ECM is not looking for a clutch switch so it doesn’t fuss about it. I work at a Freightliner dealership 20 years or so are used to run all these tests on these old 3406e and c7. But since you can’t buy a freightliner truck with cat engines in them anymore I don’t see near as many. But we do still work on a few mainly the C7 they were in a lot of school buses and business class M2 as well as the fl 70 and fl 80 trucks.

[@justtruking6408]

I overhauled my cat and its leaking oil from the h re ad gasket a week later they came up with the update