Fuel System Maintenance for Cold Weather

By Sammuel MacMullin | Proven Mining Solutions Inc.

❄️ Fuel System Maintenance for Cold Weather

Cold weather doesn’t just make operators uncomfortable — it’s brutal on diesel fuel systems. Thickened fuel, plugged filters, and frozen lines can stop a machine in its tracks before the day even starts.

Getting your fuel system winter-ready is one of the most important steps in keeping your fleet reliable through Canadian winters.

⚙️ Why It Matters

• Cold flow issues. Diesel begins to gel in extreme cold, starving engines of fuel.

• Condensation problems. Temperature swings lead to water in tanks, which turns into ice and corrosion.

• Injector protection. Clean, conditioned fuel keeps injectors running smoothly — dirty or gelled fuel destroys them fast.

  

🔎 What to Check in a Fuel System

1. Fuel Quality

Make sure you’re running winter-grade diesel appropriate for the temperature. Add conditioners or anti-gel agents when needed.

2. Water Separators & Filters

Drain separators daily in cold weather. Replace filters early if you see ice or debris plugging them.

3. Fuel Tanks

Keep tanks full overnight to reduce condensation. Inspect vents and caps to ensure they’re sealing properly.

4. Lines & Hoses

Check for rubbing, cracks, and signs of leaks. Frozen or brittle lines will split in cold weather.

5. Heaters

Diesel-fired heaters or electric fuel warmers can be the difference between starting and not starting on a cold morning.

📏 Preventative Practices

• Store equipment in heated facilities whenever possible.

• Treat bulk tanks ahead of cold snaps — not after the first machine gels up.

• Schedule filter changes more frequently in winter to stay ahead of fuel quality issues.

  

❌ Common Mistakes

• Waiting until it’s too late. Adding anti-gel after fuel has already gelled won’t fix the problem.

• Ignoring water separators. Water in the fuel = frozen lines and injector damage.

• Running summer fuel in winter. It’ll plug filters and shut you down fast.

• Letting tanks sit half full. More air = more condensation = more water.

• Skipping heaters. Assuming equipment will “just start” in -30 is a costly gamble.

  
  

🧠 Pro Tips from the Field

1. Always carry spare filters and a bottle of anti-gel in your service truck during winter months.

2. Use clear hoses or sight glasses when possible to quickly spot waxing or ice crystals in fuel lines (you should always have one of these in your truck for spotting air bubbles on suction lines as well).

3. Preheat fuel filters with block heaters or shop heat when equipment struggles to start.

4. Keep a Herman Nelson or auxiliary heating source in your service truck — it’s invaluable for thawing frozen fuel systems and warming units enough to get them running.

   
   

🔧 Proven Mining Has You Covered

Whether it’s prepping tanks, swapping filters, or installing heaters, Proven Mining Solutions makes sure your equipment stays running through the coldest conditions. We’ll get your fleet winter-ready and reliable when temperatures drop.

📞 587-723-8777

🌐 provenmining.ca