I recently replaced the fuel filter for the first time on my 09 Durmax. The access to it is
difficult to say the very least. I looked at my brother-in-laws 07 Durmax, and the fuel filter can readily be accessed from the top of the engine.

I had read somewhere that some dealers install a small access door on the splash panel at the location of the fuel filter, to eliminate the removeal of the splash panel in the fender well, to replace the fuel filter. I am wondering if anyone has done this, and if so, just what recommendations do you have for doing it. w.rabe@frontier.com

Thanks.

motionman33

 

** Please no technical questions in the Introduction Forum **

 

I have seen a few with access doors and it seems to work. They were just cut on three sides and used a zip tie to close It when done. On my 08 I just drop the front of the guard and leave the back with the flap intact. There is enough room to get in an change the filter..

 

I just remove the inner fender well al together. If you have dual shocks its difficult to peel it back. pretty simple though, a few bolts and plastic push pins.

 

I always just used a combination of a strap wrench and two bent oil filter wrenches. Turn it from the top, drop it out the bottom. To put the new one in, set it on the frame rail from the bottom and screw it on from the top.
Also, I don't recall if GM has updated the factory design, but wix designed their new filters in a plastic canister that is slightly narrower so you can slide a filter wrench all the way up it instead of just gripping the bottom.

 

I pulled the inner fender liner out replaced the filter re-installed the liner all said and done in a hour.