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49-3031.00 · Task explorer

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

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This source lists 26 tasks, including 23 marked Core and 3 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2022.

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26 tasks shown

Core · Task 2981 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.

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Core · Task 2982 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.

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Core · Task 2985 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.

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Core · Task 2984 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.

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Core · Task 2991 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.

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Core · Task 2983 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.

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Core · Task 2988 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.

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Core · Task 2987 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.

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Core · Task 2992 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.

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Core · Task 2986 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.

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Core · Task 18582 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.

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Core · Task 2995 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.

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Core · Task 2989 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.

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Core · Task 2996 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.

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Core · Task 19886 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.

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Core · Task 2997 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Rebuild gas or diesel engines.

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Core · Task 2990 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.

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Core · Task 2993 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.

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Core · Task 20453 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Install or repair accessories.

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Core · Task 20454 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.

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Core · Task 23955 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Dismount, mount, and repair or replace tires.

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Core · Task 2998 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Align front ends and suspension systems.

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Core · Task 19888 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles.

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Supplemental · Task 19889 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Measure vehicle emissions to determine whether they are within acceptable limits.

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Supplemental · Task 19887 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Follow green operational practices involving conservation of water or energy or reduction of solid waste.

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Supplemental · Task 2999 · 08/2022 · Incumbent

Operate valve-grinding machines to grind and reset valves.

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Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.