How to replace a Fuel Filter on a Duramax.

To get you familiar with the Fuel Filter it is located underneath the hood near the firewall on the passenger side on the engine.



The tools needed to change out the d-max fuel filter using the side approach are a panel clip remover, a Water In Fuel sensor wrench (or channel locks), a 1/2 inch Nut driver, and I use 2-stroke oil to lube up the o-rings.




Starting off pop the hood, and then grab a seat and sit by your passenger side tire looking at the fender well.



Now using a the panel clip remover, you want to remove the pins that are holding the inner fender well liner to the truck. (can be easily done with the right tool, I have seen one of these at oriellys)



Now with all the pins remove and all the wire harnesses pulled out of the liner you can set the liner aside.

Now you can have a good view of the Fuel Filter from where the passenger side.



Now disconnect the WIF connector and let it hang.



Now you can unscrew the fuel filter and remove it. you might be able to do it with your hands if you are strong enough, if not u can use a strap wrench which can be found at any auto parts store.

 

With the Fuel Filter removed dispose the contents inside the filter properly.



Now using a WIF wrench (or channel locks) remove the WIF sensor.



The new filter should come with new o-rings so make sure that you remove and discard the old o-rings.



Now Lube up the Big o-ring and the outer edge of the filter where the o-ring is going to be places with some 2-stroke oil, and don't be shy about using it either.



And don't forget to replace the little o-ring on the WIF sensor. again lubing it up also.



With the Fuel Filter and WIF sensor back together it is now ready to go back into the truck.



This part can be a little frustrating because it is an awkward position and its hard to get the filter threaded on there. Be patient and it will thread its way on there. And Tighten down the Filter as recommended (1/3 to 1/2 turn after the seal has made contact.)



Now Go back to the to the engine and look at it from under the hood and you will see the Filter pump and bleeder screw.

 

Loosen up the Bleeder screw with a 1/2 inch nut driver(do not take out all the way, just enough to let air out)



Now with the bleeder screw loosened you can begin priming the fuel filter, this will take about half a million pumps so be patient.



You will hear air coming out the screw and eventually Diesel Fuel will come out, and when that does press down the primer pump and hold it then with the other hand tighten down the bleeder screw(warning do not over tighten). And after tightening down the screw keep pumping the primer until it gets very hard to pump, it will be almost impossible to pump anymore after that.





Presto Change-o you fuel filter has been changed and you can wrestle back on the inner fender liner and start the truck.

 

Very Nice thanks !!!!!

 

sticky?

 

I change my filters in less than 10 minutes without removing anything from the truck. No need to remove the fender liner.

 

This can be done from under the hood as well without taking out the inner fender lining. Which ever way you do it works.

 

Yeah you can change it from the underneath the hood going from the top, but this is the way i change mine, it is easier for me, its hard for me to reach down under there and do all that stuff, i have only full rotation in my right arm, the lefty is kinda bent


Your more than welcome to post pics of how u change it from the top.

 

ya especially if your water in fuel sensors wire has been broke off don't have to worry about reconnecting but hey good job (for a lb7 guy ) hahaha just had to

 

I would try to get some pics but I just replaced mine last month and don't feel like wasting fuel for some pictures. I would say do which ever one is easier for you to do. I prefer under the hood and others prefer going through the wheel well. As long as it gets changed thats all that matters. Just be careful when tightening down the bleeder screw that you don't break it! The truck will not start and it is a Dealer only part. Not cheap!!!!!!