Dave,
What was it that made the Navy decide to create the Motor Machinist's Mate rating in 1942 and ultimately qualify all new submarine diesel mechanics with this new rating? (Background here: at the beginning of the war, all of the diesel mechanics in the submarine force were Machinist Mates, and this would remain so until some time in 1943). In reading the description of the two ratings, they read almost the same:
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Machinist's Mate: Operate main and auxiliary engines. Adjust, repair, and overhaul engines. Be familiar with ship's drainage systems, distilling plants, evaporators and pumps.
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Motor Machinist's Mate: Operate machine tools. Operate and maintain internal combustion engines and engine auxiliaries. Knowledge of pressure and air systems. Be familiar with electrical apparatus.
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The only thing I can guess is that the Motor Mac rate dealt more with systems that interact with diesels on submarines, but wouldn't the Navy have found that out in all those years prior to the war?