Sno-Isle Tech Diesel Power Technology

05/22/2026

04/30/2026

Helping a student with his engine to a car he purchased. It came to him all rebuilt but had low oil pressure. I told him to bring it in and I will help figure it out.

It has the wrong lifters. When they are on lobe, the oil passage is open because the lifter surface is too short.

I suggested we take it apart and inspect. Sure enough, it was s good thing we did. Rings aligned, bearings compromised from lack of pressure.

Fun times!

03/05/2026

Class is super busy. Students learning some good stuff! After 20 years, I decided to go all in on integrating oscilloscopes into the curriculum. Two big emphasis areas are air brake timing and cylinder pressure analysis. The goal is to teach the connection between the “problem” and the data to support it. With air brake, how a longer air hose or a different diameter effects pneumatic timing. With cylinder pressure analysis, where the valves open and what the pressure is during each stroke. Understanding piston position without taking the engine apart.
We added a deeper skill this week. How to find injection timing compared to TDC. We can see port opening AND pintle opening.

It is fun, but there are days I am worn out.

The most rewarding part of my job is when I see students teaching other students.

01/21/2026

A call out for Sno-Isle🤘🏼

Swap Meet opens up to the general public at 8:00 am on Saturday May 16th, 2026. Even if you don't need anything, it's fun to bring the family and wander around. Get something to eat and then visit the Sno-Isle Voc-Tech booth and see what kind of training is available for your kids.

01/21/2026

It was a pleasure to spend time catching up with this guy today. Tom Smith is the first instructor of the program. 1978-2005. He was my instructor.

The school is coming up on a 50th celebration. Stay tuned for more details

12/04/2025

PACCAR tech and test track tucked in next to Burlington airport

The workplace of several/many former Sno-Isle Diesel Power Technology Students.

11/25/2025

Discussed this diagnostic in class today. Posting here for students to see how shops approach diagnostic training

11/12/2025

Anybody know Jeff? A student found his jacket. 100 bucks if it still fits without ripping out🤣🤣

10/28/2025

11/28/2024

Always use jackstands you Turkey! Happy Thanksgiving