A donated diesel-powered lawnmower—rusted, rough, and far beyond repair—ended up becoming the spark for one of the most creative student projects in WWCC’s Diesel Technology program.
When students Adam Fundak and Phinehas Kerr got the mower running last spring, one thing stood out: the engine was strong. Too strong to throw away. As they pulled the engine from the failing mower, the conversation shifted from whether they should keep it to what they could build with it.
That’s when the idea surfaced:
“This engine would be great in the Argo.”
The Argo—a small six-wheeled vehicle from Adam’s family farm—had long been powered by an aging Briggs & Stratton gasoline engine. So at the start of fall quarter, the students brought the vehicle to campus and committed to converting it to diesel power.
Over several weeks, Adam and Phinehas removed the original engine and carefully fit the Caterpillar C1.1 diesel engine into the Argo’s tight engine bay. The conversion pushed them into a wide range of real-world problem-solving:
- Adapting the drive, electrical, and fuel systems
- Fabricating a custom cooling package to support a liquid-cooled engine
- Modifying the engine mount to handle the diesel engine’s additional weight
- Troubleshooting, testing, and refining each system along the way
Their work resulted in a fully functioning, diesel-powered Argo—an impressive transformation that blended creativity, technical skill, and teamwork.
For these students, the project became more than a mechanical challenge. It was an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a hands-on environment, build confidence, and gain experience in fabrication and systems integration—skills that will carry with them long after they leave WWCC.
As Fundak and Kerr continue their journey in the Diesel Technology program, this project stands as a reminder of what’s possible when curiosity, learning, and a bit of ingenuity come together.