fuel filter 2003 duramax

vjb04 · July 4, 2003

can anyone give me advice on the best way to change fuel filter on my 2003 duramax,seems like it could be a pain in th a##?

422 SS · July 4, 2003

Anyone,I'm ready too change mine too.

Firetiger(MN) · July 4, 2003

You're going to get a lot of different ideas on that one. Some guys drop the lower inner fender and pull it out that way. Some say that they can squeeze it out from the top. Others will loosen it from the top and then grab it from below through the inner fender.

I haven't changed mine yet, but I have looked it over and can't decide what would work good. Pulling it through the top doesn't look like an option to me. I've read that in earlier models the A/C lines where routed different and that made it possible.

I'm afraid that it's going to be a real pain when it's below 0 degrees somewhere in the middle of nowhere and the filter goes south.

hdmax · July 5, 2003

I think the easiest way is to remove the battery (the one on the passenger side ), unplug the senser wire connector, remove the filter by loosening it (clock wise) once loose place a gallon size plastic bag (like a zip lock bag) around it (to catch any fuel) remove it, then remove the sense from the filter, place the sense on the new filter. Make sure all gaskets came off with the old filter, Place new gaskets on filter, install new filter. Once you have completed that, you will need to loosen the bleader screw (it is on top of the filter head, next to the large hand plunger) you will need to prime the filter until fuel (Diesel) comes out of the bleader hole. tighten the bleader screw, pump the plunger 2-3 more times. Replace the battery. The truck should start right up, if it doesn't pump the plunger a couple more times. That should do it.

Hope this helps!

Mike

vjb04 · July 5, 2003

hey thanks for the info hd max sure makes alot of sense.got another ? for you should I change the fuel filter every oil change or every other oil change.also what about the allison trans filter I have been reading should change filter first time at 5000 miles also wondering if dexron III would be fine to fill up filter before putting it back on,again thanks for the info.

Firetiger(MN) · July 5, 2003

You can change the fuel filter after 10,000 mi. Even 15k would be OK as that's what many are doing and probably what I'll do unless any unforeseen issues come up before then like bad fuel. Stay away from the Mom-n-Pop gas stations. Truck stops are the best bet as they move a greater volume of fuel.

I changed the Allison filter at my first oil change. I believe the book says 7500 mi. I figure it can't hurt!

vjb04 · July 6, 2003

hey firetiger thats a nice looking truck u have there,as for volumes of fuel I work at a refinery where I have access to low sulpher,high sulpher #2 diesel millions of gallons on a monthly basis so I am not worried about volume,also this is my 3rd diesel p/u 1st one was a 1995 2500 chevy diesel nothing but trouble 4 fuel pumps in 3 months that was a bad year for chevy diesel,2nd was a 2001 dodge 2500 cummins 4x4 now this was an awesome trk but very noisy didnt work well with a new born baby 3rd is what I have now 2003 chevy crew cab 4x4 LS dark charcoal metallic duramax /allison and I am very impressed every time I get in it to drive.hopefully I"ll be keeping this one for a long time. I"ll try to get some pics to post on here ,well got to run, take it easy there buddy.

vjb04 · July 6, 2003

oh by the way,how do you get the highlighted of what trk you own every time you post so people can read what type of vehicle I have.

Firetiger(MN) · July 6, 2003

Cool. Those pics are of my former truck with the 6.0L. Haven't posted any pictures of my D/A yet.

If you want a lot of good diesel info, head on over to The Diesel Page website. You can view for free, but have to subscribe to post. Very knowledgable people over there. One bad thing about that page is you'll get talked into buying high performance programming, exhaust, gauges, tires, etc, etc...

bigbearZ85 · July 9, 2003

Firetiger, on your old truck did you have to crank the T bars to keep the tires from rubbing or what did you have to do, I have an 03 and want to add 285s and just wondering what I am going to run into, thanks a lot and have a good one

Firetiger(MN) · July 9, 2003

I cranked the bars before putting the 285's on to level out the truck, so I can't say whether they would have rubbed or not.

Some say they have to and some don't. Two of the same model truck can have a slight difference in nose height from the factory that's probably the reason for that. I had a '99 Z71 that was perfectly level and never touched the T-bars, but I saw many of the same model/year that had the front end noticiably hanging.

I'd put the tires on and a few quick turns of the wrench should cure any rubbing you may have.