2024 Diesel Technology Competition

Dec 13

Dec 14

Friday, December 13, 2024

2–2 AM

Dec 13
Dec 14
December 13 + 14, 2024
12:00 - 5:00 PM

Join us for an action-packed day of skills competition. Diesel students from CTCs and CTEs are invited to compete for scholarships, prizes, and training aids for their programs.

Here's how it works:

  • CTC/CTE programs interested in participating in the event will complete an online skills test created by Penn College faculty.
  • Students from the top scoring CTCs/CTEs will be invited to a hands-on competition at Penn College.
  • At the on-campus event, students will be judged on their skills as they cycle through 10 industry-sponsored competition stations.

At the end of the event the top three participants will receive Penn College scholarships. Each competition station will also have prizes for first-, second- and third-place winners. Additionally, the winning CTC/CTE will receive a cash prize to purchase training aids for their program. 

Participants will receive a free hotel stay on Friday evening and a food allowance thanks to the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education Grant: 'Diesel Technology Pathway from Career and Technical Education to Postsecondary Certification or Associate Degree.'

Timeline

  • October 7 – Invitations with the online skills test link will be sent to CTC/CTE programs
  • November 1 – Online skills tests must be completed
  • November 6 – Winning students and programs are notified and provided with RSVP and competition details
  • November 22 – Deadline for student RSVP to competition
  • December 13 – Students check in, tour the campus and Diesel Equipment Technology programs, and enjoy dinner with families, faculty and employers
  • December 14 – Competition Day!
NSF
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2301087. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

    Competition Stations

    In this station, the contestant will be tasked with diagnosing and addressing air system failures commonly found in Eaton/Fuller transmissions. This challenge assesses your troubleshooting and repair skills, which are essential in the commercial truck and mechanical fields. Contestants will use the correct service manual(s) and tooling to diagnose and or repair a failure(s) of the air system used to range shift an Eaton/Fuller transmission.

    Tips and Strategies:

    • System Knowledge: Draw upon your knowledge of Eaton/Fuller transmission systems and air systems to identify common failure points.
    • Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Ensure that the air system is repaired correctly to prevent future issues or hazards.
    • Attention to Detail: Pay close attention to the details during diagnosis and repair. Sometimes, small issues can lead to significant problems.

    Scoring:

    • Scoring at this station typically focuses on your ability to accurately diagnose the problem, successfully repair the air system, and confirm its functionality.
    • Points are awarded based on the accuracy and completeness of your repairs.

    Contestants will be tested on their ability to identify and work with fittings and hydraulic pump tasks, which are fundamental skills in various technical and engineering fields. Contestants will use technical service literature and tooling to identify hydraulic and pneumatic fittings and hose used on today’s earth moving equipment and commercial trucks. Contestants will also have to disassemble and reassemble a hydraulic pump per diagram.

    Tips and Strategies:

    • Study in Advance: Familiarize yourself with common fittings and pump overhaul techniques before the competition.
    • Use Tools Properly: If you're not familiar with the tube bending tools, ask for guidance from your instructor on their correct usage.

    Scoring:

    • Scoring at this station is usually based on your accuracy in identifying fittings and your ability to disassemble and reassemble a hydraulic pump.
    • Each correctly identified fitting and accurately overhauling a hydraulic pump earns you points. Your score is determined by the number of tasks completed accurately within the allotted time.

    Contestants will be tasked to locate specific parts or components within a designated area. This station tests your ability to efficiently find and identify parts, which is a crucial skill in many technical and engineering fields. The Parts Search Station tests your ability to quickly and accurately locate and identify specific parts or components.

    Tips and Strategies:

    • Read Carefully: Carefully read the task sheet and any provided information to understand what you're looking for.
    • Stay Organized: Keep track of the parts you've found and those that you still need to locate. - Use Visual Aids: If provided, use drawings, diagrams, or part descriptions to help you identify the parts accurately.

    Scoring:

    • Scoring in this station typically depends on the number of correct parts you find and identify within the given time frame.
    • Each correctly identified part earns you points, and your score is based on your accuracy and speed.

    In this station, contestants will be challenged to measure and assess the run-out of a flywheel and its housing. This task is a fundamental skill in commercial truck and heavy equipment fields, ensuring the proper functioning and alignment of crucial components. Contestants will use technical service manuals to locate specifications and set-up and use proper tooling to precisely measure run-out.

    Tips and Strategies:

    • Precision: Ensure precise measurements by taking multiple readings and averaging them for accuracy.
    • Knowledge of Tolerances: Familiarize yourself with industry-standard tolerances for flywheel and flywheel housing run-out.
    • Safety Precautions: Prioritize safety by following proper procedures when working with rotating components.

    Scoring:

    • Scoring at this station is typically based on the accuracy of your run-out measurements and your ability to assess whether the measurements fall within acceptable tolerances.
    • Points are awarded for precise measurements and correct assessments.

    At this station, contestants will demonstrate their skills and knowledge in basic electrical systems and circuits. This station evaluates your ability to diagnose and repair wiring issues using various methods, troubleshoot a relay, and build a simple electrical circuit. These skills are fundamental in various industries, including automotive, electronics, and electrical engineering. 

    Tips and Strategies:

    • Visual Inspection: Begin with a thorough visual inspection to identify wiring issues and relay malfunctions.
    • Schematic Understanding: Understand the schematic diagrams and component connections before building the circuit.
    • Safety: Prioritize safety throughout the tasks, especially when working with electrical components.

    Scoring:

    • Scoring at this station typically evaluates your ability to correctly repair wiring, diagnose relay issues, and build a functional electrical circuit.
    • Points are awarded for accurate repairs, successful relay diagnosis, and the proper assembly and operation of the circuit.

    In this station, the contestant’s skills in precision measurement and accuracy will be put to the test. Precision measuring is a fundamental skill in various technical and engineering fields, ensuring the quality and reliability of components and products. The Precision Measuring Station evaluates your ability to perform precise measurements of various diesel engine components and convert from inches to millimeters and or decimals to fractions. 

    Tips and Strategies:

    • Instrument Familiarity: Be familiar with the precision measuring instruments provided at the station and how to use them effectively.
    • Attention to Detail: Pay meticulous attention to the details of the object or component you're measuring.
    • Safety: Follow safety protocols and handle precision instruments with care to prevent damage and ensure your safety.

    Scoring:

    • Scoring at this station is typically based on the accuracy of your measurements and your ability to determine whether the measurements meet the specified tolerances.
    • Points are awarded for precise measurements and correct assessments.

    In this station, you the contestant will be challenged to correctly set up and configure a Power Take-Off system—a vital component in many commercial truck applications. This task evaluates your ability to safely and accurately prepare a PTO for its intended use by using correct tooling and service literature.

    Tips and Strategies:

    • Read Instructions Thoroughly: Carefully read and follow the provided instructions to ensure correct assembly, alignment, and calibration.
    • Safety First: Prioritize safety throughout the setup process. Be aware of potential hazards and take precautions accordingly.
    • Precision: Pay attention to precision and accuracy when aligning and calibrating the PTO system.

    Scoring:

    • Scoring at this station typically evaluates your ability to correctly set up the PTO system according to the provided instructions and safety standards.
    • Points are awarded for correct assembly, alignment, and calibration.

    Contestants will be challenged to demonstrate their skills and knowledge related to commercial truck steering systems, a fundamental component in commercial truck and heavy equipment industry. This station evaluates your ability to properly set-up tooling to inspect, diagnose, and identify various components of a steering systems.

    Tips and Strategies:

    • Thoroughness: Be thorough in your inspection and diagnosis to ensure that all potential steering system issues are identified.
    • Safety: Prioritize safety at all times, especially when working with potentially faulty steering systems.
    • Communication: Clearly and effectively communicate your findings and recommendations, as this is an essential skill in the field.

    Scoring:

    • Scoring at this station typically evaluates your ability to accurately inspect and diagnose steering system issues. 

    Contestants will be challenged to demonstrate their skills in diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical issues commonly encountered in mobile refrigeration units. This station evaluates your ability to identify and address electrical problems, a critical skill in maintaining the functionality of refrigeration systems in the commercial trucking industry. 

    Tips and Strategies:

    • System Familiarity: Be familiar with the mobile refrigeration unit's electrical system and components.
    • Methodical Approach: Approach troubleshooting methodically, starting with a visual inspection and progressing to systematic testing.
    • Safety: Prioritize safety throughout the troubleshooting process, especially when working with electrical components.

    Scoring:

    • Scoring at this station typically evaluates your ability to accurately identify and diagnose electrical issues within the mobile refrigeration unit.
    • Points may also be awarded for providing appropriate and effective recommendations for repairs. 

    This station, contestants will be tasked with configuring Group 31 batteries to meet specific voltage and amperage requirements. This station evaluates their skills in battery configuration and electrical engineering, which are essential skills in various industries, including automotive, marine, commercial truck, earth moving and alternative energy.

    Tips and Strategies:

    • Knowledge of Battery Types: Be familiar with different types of Groups 31 batteries and their characteristics.
    • Mathematical Calculation: Use mathematical calculations to determine the appropriate battery connections for the desired voltage and amperage.
    • Safety: Prioritize safety throughout the battery configuration process, and use appropriate safety gear.

    Scoring:

    • Scoring at this station typically evaluates your ability to accurately configure batteries to meet the specified voltage and amperage requirements.
    • Points are awarded for correctly selecting and connecting batteries and for ensuring safe and efficient operation.
    Featured Video

    Competitors in Action

    Each year, Pennsylvania College of Technology invites a hand-picked selection of the region's most talented up-and-coming diesel technicians to compete for awesome prizes including training tools for their program and a personal $10,000 scholarship to Penn College. Check out this video to see how it's done.

    Sponsored By

    Special Thanks to Our Supporters

    • Allan Myers
    • Bergey's Truck Center
    • Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co.
    • Foley, Inc.
    • Hunter Truck
    • Kenworth of Pennsylvania
    • Motor Truck Thermo King
    • FedEx
    • Groff Tractor & Equipment
    • Pennsy Supply, Inc.
    • Penske Truck Leasing
    • Vulcan Materials Company
    • Highway Equipment & Supply Co.
    • Hoober Inc.
    • Watsontown Trucking Company
    • XPO
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    School of Engineering Technologies
    Diesel Technology and Natural Resources Division
    Schneebeli Earth Science Center, Room 105
    570.320.8038

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