Meet Melissa Petersmann: The Diesel Queen

Aug 27, 2024by rhett williams

Meet Melissa Petersmann: The Diesel Queen

When you think of diesel trucks and the tough, gritty world of heavy equipment, Melissa Petersmann might not be the first person that comes to mind—but she should be. With a background rooted in the rugged terrain of logging and a career built on turning wrenches, Melissa has carved out her place in an industry dominated by men. Her journey from working on John Deere equipment to launching her own engine shop is one of passion, perseverance, and an unyielding love for all things diesel.

From Heavy Equipment to Diesel Engines

Melissa’s journey started long before she ever picked up a wrench. Growing up around heavy machinery thanks to her father, a logger, she was drawn to the mechanical world early on. "I spent seven years as a heavy equipment mechanic on John Deere Agriculture and construction equipment," she explains. But it wasn’t until two years ago that she decided to shift gears and focus on her own projects, setting her sights on starting her own engine shop.

Attending WyoTech after high school, Melissa gained the technical knowledge that would become the foundation of her career. But it’s her hands-on experience in the heavy-duty diesel world that really drives her. "I wouldn’t particularly say I’m in the automotive industry," she says, "but my love for building diesel engines is what’s driven me to start my own engine performance shop."

The Challenge of the Build

Currently, Melissa is working on a special project—her third-gen Cummins. This isn’t just any truck; it’s a family heirloom of sorts, gifted by her father after he blew the engine and couldn’t take it with him when he moved to California. "I took this project on and paid to get the truck repainted," she shares. What followed was a complete engine rebuild, combining stock parts with carefully selected aftermarket components.

Melissa’s build is a testament to her meticulous nature and dedication. "I’m super picky about making sure all my torque specs are right," she says, emphasizing the importance of precision in her work. But the road hasn’t been without its bumps. From the cost of shop tooling to the challenges of working solo, she’s faced every obstacle head-on. "I’m pretty much a one-woman show, and it’s been quite the learning experience," she admits. She has used quite a bit of parts from Industrial Injection including a Phatshaft 62mm compressor wheel, 65mm turbine wheel turbocharger. Polished timing cover, Shiny new pulleys, Fuel filter bypass, and a polished billet intake plate all apart of Industrial Injections engine dress up kit!

Tools, Techniques, and Triumphs

Melissa’s third-gen Cummins is more than just a project; it’s a showcase of the tools and techniques she’s mastered over the years. From the front main seal sleeve installers to the specialized equipment needed for engine assembly, she’s invested in the best. The engine block is sleeved, the head features heavier valve springs, and the internals are a mix of stock and aftermarket parts, all meticulously chosen.

"I have a larger aftermarket turbo, an intake manifold, and a bunch of chrome pulleys that really add to the beautiful paint job," she explains, detailing the components with the pride of someone who knows every inch of her machine.

Advice for Aspiring Builders

For those looking to tackle a similar project, Melissa’s advice is straightforward: do your homework. "Find reliable manuals," she stresses, noting how Diesel Laptops provided her with the essential resources she needed. And when it comes to parts, she’s a firm believer in the value of quality. "Seriously, you get what you pay for. Don’t cheap out on rebuild kits, injector kits, or gasket kits."

Staying motivated can be tough, especially when progress is slow or unexpected challenges arise. But Melissa has learned to take it all in stride. "If you can’t work on the engine that day, then fix up some little things on the interior," she advises. Her approach is practical—just keep moving forward, even if it’s one small step at a time.

Looking Ahead

As Melissa’s current project nears completion, she’s already got her sights set on what’s next. "The next milestone will be completing the interior," she says, but that’s just the beginning. With two other project trucks waiting in the wings—including an ’83 Power Ram and another 2002 Dodge—Melissa’s garage is going to be busy for a long time to come.

Each project carries its own significance, but the ’83 Power Ram holds a special place in her heart. "That truck means a lot to me," she reflects, noting that it once belonged to a family member who’s no longer with us. It’s clear that for Melissa, these projects are more than just mechanical challenges—they’re deeply personal endeavors.

The Diesel Queen’s Reign

Melissa Petersmann may be just getting started in the world of diesel engine building, but she’s already making waves. Her dedication to her craft, her attention to detail, and her relentless drive make her a force to be reckoned with. Whether she’s turning wrenches on a third-gen Cummins or breathing new life into an ’83 Power Ram, one thing is certain: Melissa Petersmann is a diesel queen, and her reign is only beginning.