DIESEL EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY

LENGTH OF CLASS

Ben Franklin Vocational Center's Diesel Equipment Technology class is two years in length. There are two half-day sessions of 3 hours each. The student comes for only 1/2 day, using the same schedule as Kanawha County Schools. The half-day sessions run from 8:20 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. till 2:30 p.m.

Subjects Taught One year will cover diesel engines basics. Hands on will include work on Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Mack & Cat, plus a few other engines that are available on occasion. Engine overhaul, cylinder head rebuild, fuel systems, electrical systems, lubrication systems, air intake & exhaust systems and troubleshooting will be covered in a classroom setting. The other year will be Heavy Duty Truck Systems. Hands on will be on trucks & vehicles that closely represents the modern trucking industry. Systems covered are: brakes, suspension, steering, electrical, transmission and differentials. Classroom work will amount to about 30% of the time and hands on will be 70%. Basic, hyraulics, air conditioning, computer literarcy and resume writing are also a part of this class. The teacher is Thomas L. Montgomery, Sr., who has 25 years experience in the field of Diesel Engines and trucks, which includes 10 years as co-owner of a diesel engine sales & service business. He, also, has 14 years experince teaching Diesel Equipment Technology at Ben Franklin. His placement rates are on a par with other programs in the state.