QAVTC class ready to get hands on recently donated Peterbilt semi engine

QUINCY — Advancements in engine parts and technology make it difficult for students learning about the subject to keep up without hands-on experience.

Keeping up with newer engines just got easier for the students in Brian Armstrong’s diesel equipment technology class at the Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center.

The local GTG (Grask Truck Group) Peterbilt dealership donated a semi engine to the class on Monday. The engine will give Armstrong’s class the opportunity to work with newer engine technology than what previously was available. The donated engine had been in use for a short time before being donated to Armstrong’s class. A pre-delivery inspection was done on the truck before releasing it to its owner, who had engine issues within a short period. It was determined the engine would need replacing.

This provided a golden opportunity for Armstrong’s class.

Pat Fells, service director for GTG Peterbilt, met with Armstrong nine months ago and saw the need for an engine like this one in his class.

“We had an opportunity because of the failure in this engine,” Fells said. “I put in a request to Peterbilt to donate it for training purposes only, and we were granted that.”

This engine gives Armstrong’s class an opportunity to get experience with a newer engine. Students also have access to Peterbilt’s online training.

“When they get through taking (their) class, and they come to work at a dealership, they’re going to be about three months ahead,” Fells said.

Armstrong can’t wait for his class to work with the engine.

“I’m most excited about giving the students the opportunity to learn on something that’s brand new,” he said. “A lot of our stuff is old, out of date, and not leading technology. This, however, is.”

The semi engine Armstrong’s class received is beneficial in more ways than one.

Engines made by other companies have similar parts. This means Armstrong’s class can take the knowledge they acquire from this engine and apply it to other engines they come across.

The students in Armstrong’s class are ready to get their hands dirty with their new engine.

“I’m excited to learn some of the new technology on these new motors in the semis,” said Eli Wilson, a student in Armstrong’s class.

Noah Klauser is a Quincy native and a Culver-Stockton College student serving as an intern for Muddy River News during the spring semester.