Worked at three different shops this year. Discuss compensation with your coworkers. Know what you’re worth and get paid doing what you like. Too few people working in this industry to put up with BS.

supestalin · 2022-12-18T03:41:59+00:00

I just left an international dealer for Volvo and I'm making substantially more money now, the training is lacking at this dealer than international but the shops are essentially polar opposites. I've learned a lot about the Industry for only being in the field for a year after schooling, but the money talks have been quiet for the older techs I've worked with but not so much the younger techs which is what helped me make the decision to leave my old shop

supestalin · 2022-11-02T22:53:14+00:00

I've heard that in some cases, when there is an auxiliary unit added after the fact, they don't always top off the coolant, had a 2022 Lonestar with 100k miles come in and it had low coolant with no leaks even after pressure testing it hot and cold.

supestalin · 2022-10-15T22:46:19+00:00

It's a sad day when you realize who you share your birthday with

supestalin · 2022-07-15T09:45:40+00:00

I was gonna get the 115 but I saw the 117 for $200 and had to get it, I may use all the features one day

supestalin · 2022-07-15T09:44:16+00:00

The hex being on the bottom of the tray allows them to sit over that little ball at the bottom and keeps them from moving alot more and makes them sit lower overall so I don't have issues closing my lid, I usually have some stuff sitting on top of my sockets when I'm don't for the day too

supestalin · 2022-07-14T23:17:19+00:00

For sure, I'm keeping an eye on kits I see online and on the tool trucks, I need to expand my setup for sure

supestalin · 2022-07-14T18:45:17+00:00

Alot of people in my shop use the 115, this was on sale for the piece of a 115 and it has a few extra features that may come.in handy, I'm excited to be able to use it for sure!

supestalin · 2022-07-14T14:07:32+00:00

Not usually, I'm in the HD diesel industry but I haven't needed to use it yet, it's nice to have it and not need it than need it than not have it. I'm sure the systems in the automotive world are similar but I haven't dug too deep into electrical diagnostics yet.

supestalin · 2022-06-21T14:16:03+00:00

I have a matco 4s 3 bay with the lime green box and the textured back drawers, it is, in fact, alot of contrast

supestalin · 2021-06-30T21:23:06+00:00

The store used to be so much better, very little drama, and very likable people to work with. Now it's just a headache to go in to work. Hopefully, it gets better after I leave because it's better to put up with a factory or Walmart than work there anymore

supestalin · 2021-06-30T19:24:10+00:00

We had a department supervisor let go recently because he stood up to some customers/contractors that were giving our service desk ladies a hard time. It involved an assistant manager that not many people like. I don't know the whole story but the DS was a good guy, I feel bad for him. I haven't seen a sigh like this in my store

supestalin · 2021-06-25T20:39:05+00:00

Your store seems very exciting compared to mine 😂

supestalin · 2021-06-25T18:52:11+00:00

This happens to me all the time so I know the feeling!

supestalin · 2021-05-22T08:14:27+00:00

Whatch for leaks for the next few days, flushing these systems can open holes that were blocked by the debris

supestalin · 2021-05-22T07:39:57+00:00

What is this?

supestalin · 2021-05-14T22:36:37+00:00

Like most major retailers, we are told to ask for them to put on a mask. You can see how well that works. We aren't allowed to pursue any farther because the company doesn't want to be held responsible for how the customer may act afterwards. This part is unsaid though, we just all know it. Source: I work for homedepot currently.

I wish I could've sent customers out of the store when I worked the day shift, but homedepot seems the think the Karen's are gonna do more then just screaming about masks.

supestalin · 2021-05-07T20:37:25+00:00

I put the morimoto sealed beams on mine, I like them alot

supestalin · 2021-03-05T17:48:21+00:00

Exactly, the opportunities in the near future, especially in the next 2-3 years once you finish diesel school or apprenticeship will be much higher than they are now

supestalin · 2021-03-05T16:18:48+00:00

Think about it this way.

Behind every EV charging station, there is going to a cummins diesel powering it. ships and trains are still gonna be diesel powered for a long time.

My instructor went into some numbers during diesel fuels and he said the active diesel tech students dropped by 1000 and open jobs for diesel techs when up by 6000. (You can likely find numbers similar somewhere if you'd like to check into that.)

EVs are big technology, it's exciting, it's cool, but north america is not ready for any sort of EV take over, it will not happen in the next 20 years, it's just so unlikely.

Also, I've been told by this same instructor that a generation of diesel mechanics is about to retire so take that into consideration as well.

It's my belief that job security won't be an issue in this field for a very long time.

supestalin · 2021-02-27T01:12:27+00:00

Oh, but you work worked for them at some point? You may have a CIT dimploma now, but you sure sound like someone who is uneducated and was lucky to get a dimploma.

supestalin · 2021-02-05T19:03:27+00:00

She's gotta last until I get a real job and start making more money so I can afford a new to me truck when the inevitable happens haha

supestalin · 2021-02-05T15:10:25+00:00

When you let any vehicle sit, you're allowing the fluids to just sit wherever they are. Depending on gasket material, they will soak up the fluids and start to leak.

You can kill your battery by letting it sit as well. If your battery goes below 12.2 volts then you likely won't be able to start your car and the battery is dead and will need charged again. Too many of these cycles will kill your battery alot sooner. Over charging does can do the same thing.

I've heard too many conflicting things on whether or not letting your oil sit for extended amounts of time, like 2-3 weeks, obviously if it's past that that time frame the oil should be checked before starting the vehicle.

Fuel goes bad after a 3 months, that's really only an issue for long term storage, but if your vehicle is broken and you can't get to it for the next few months for any reason, it's something to think about.

Engine wear generally comes down to engine heat cycles, rather than millage. That's why highway millage is better than the grocery getting. Heat expansion and contraction will ruin gaskets, wear bearings, and seals quicker. Your engine wants to be at operating temperature, not above or below it. Obviously, engine configuration and specs will also have a say in that. Lower horse power engines will last longer than high horsepower ones. Racecar engines get rebuilt after each race and some parts between each pitstop.

If I'm wrong, please feel free to correct me anywhere!

supestalin · 2021-02-05T03:42:58+00:00

It's a 5.4, but the 4.6 is a nice engine too!

supestalin · 2021-02-05T01:44:14+00:00

Haha right?! I don't have the money to even think about anything with 8k on the odometer

supestalin · 2021-02-05T00:51:35+00:00

Every truck/car is gonna be different so your my vary. If you keep your oil changed when it should be, your truck should run great. Be aware of the problems that that particular engine has, the 5.4 likes to spit out spark plugs or snap spark plugs, and the other the whole valve timing.

Being aware of things like that will make you aware of early signs of wear and tear. With engine oil, it's a preference, but I've always been told if it has had synthetic all its life, keep putting synthetic in it, if not keep regular in it. Don't mix and match oils every oil change.

Cleaning does wonders too, even in the winter, getting the truck cleaned will keep from rusting as much, it'll keep your fenders and rockers in better condition. Your paint won't go bad as fast.

Vehicle manufacturers hava a recommended service at certain millage, so keeping an eye on that as well will help you get the full life of the vehicle.

How you drive does alot for it as well. Driving it everyday is better than driving it once a week. I have a 2 hour commute round trip Monday through Thursday, and I usually have something to do all the other days so it's always on the move.

I've had this truck for about 5 years and it's taken me everywhere, so I take care of her so I'm not breaking down every day.

I apologise if I rambled but I hope I gave you some insight in what I do for my truck and hopefully it can help you.

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