Duramax Fuel Filter & Bleeder Screw Install: Chevy Duramax

[@mikebernhardt3699]

Great install vid. One thing to note. You do not have to remove the inner fender on LMM and LML's. We do hundreds of these a month and yup just reach up under the inner fender with a band wrench and remove the filter. Same going back in, just remember to put a clean rag over the top of the filter to avoid contamination when putting the new filter up under the inner fender. Once its close to the housing remove the rag and spin on the filter. This method is a little awkward but once you figure it out its much quicker. Time is money!

[@cohendane4875]

I realize I'm pretty randomly asking but does anybody know a good site to watch new movies online?

[@cohenharley1462]

@Cohen Dane i watch on flixzone. Just search on google for it :)

[@bradleydax8237]

@Cohen Harley definitely, have been using FlixZone for years myself :D

[@cohendane4875]

@Cohen Harley thank you, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D Appreciate it !

[@cohenharley1462]

@Cohen Dane happy to help xD

[@eyeorewolf]

Pro-tip, gently stretch the filter O-ring until it stops trying to pop out of the groove then gently stretch it one more time and use oil or grease or O-Lube, pick your poison but stretching the O-ring a bit won't hurt it and you won't have to fight it or worry about it riding out of the groove while you're threading the filter on. Pro-tip #2, fill the filter about half way with diesel before installing it, this will make the priming process a lot easier. The directions on the filter show taking the sensor until the seal makes contact then 1/2 turn the same for the filter seal but only 1/4 turn by hand. Putting a wrench on it might make the next guy's life miserable trying to remove it after the seal swells from exposure to diesel it's no different from an oil filter in that respect. Thanks for the video, removing the inner fender is a good idea.

[@sirsweetness8332]

“This is Wayne from Thoroughbred diesel and if you watch my videos, you can be as good as me”. Changed out fuel filter, transmission filter and air filter just now with perfection due to Wayne from Thoroughbred Diesel. Fired right up. Heard air escape by bleeding 4 times. Last one diesel came out so I knew I was done. 2006 Duramax. LBZ

[@jayinmi3706]

I just replaced the fuel filter (and rebuilt the fuel filter head) on my GF's dad's LB7. Noticed the oring in the center of the old filter, but the new one didn't come with one. No other video I've seen specifically mentioned switching this. Glad I saved it with the old filter. Thank you!

[@rbanta710]

Wade is awesome in person as he is in these videos. He went out of his way to help with an ongoing issue on my Dodge and got me headed in the right direction. Outstanding individual. I am now in the new 2020 Duramax and plan on stopping by for any recommendations he has on my new truck. He is right off the intestate 64 in KY outside of Lexington. The excellence doesnt stop with Wade either, they have an excellent crew and some of the best people you will ever do business with. A++++ ratings from Banta Transport.

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

Thanks for the kind words. Happy to help.

[@sirsweetness8332]

Just changed mine. It was easy. Toughest part was getting fender well back on. New Billet bleeder screw. Fired right up on first try. Great prime process worked great 👍

[@stevenhardison5475]

Normally you leave the bleed screw open the whole time you are operating the priming pump. Of course you might get a little more diesel spraying around at the end, but it's quicker. Good video.

[@stephenhutchinson4357]

Changed my oil today for the first time, next job is the fuel filter 76% used up, this was very informative , Thanks guys!

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

Thanks!

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

That's a good question. We honestly didn't notice that until you mentioned it. This was a customers truck. They must have installed that themselves. Should be a big issue as long as the seal holds. We will be calling them shortly.

[@michaelobrien9764]

To keep the upper o ring in place I use some super glue or shoe goop in filter o ring seat install o ring turn it over set on a flat steel bench place weight on top give it time to set. Best way to change filter is wheel well (have had duramax trucks since 2001) I change filter when rotating tires no tire in the way don't have to remove wheel well remove lower push pins drill two holes in bottom of well and at top (not into fender) use some bungee straps to pull well back & up

[@andykavanaugh4734]

thank you!! This was the best install video. The bleeder valve was the key part i was missing and of course i killed the batteries trying to start up! Newby trying to play mechanic. But I did it!

[@DustinEddo]

Thank you so much. This video is so helpful. Your procedure on bleeding the fuel is the only way that helped for me.

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

Thanks! Glad it helped you out.

[@pennybevins3016]

Thank you for sooo many great yips, and tips. Done this since 2007 but I still like to check for info. You didn't miss a thing. You showed the clip to the water sensor that fd with me for way to long. The dry desert silt held it on tight. I'll clean and lube it this time. Thanks alot.

[@groundhog7652]

I have to get it from the top. Hard as heck to get 2 hands in there. Used a strap wrench on it too was not easy either. I tightened up the sensor by hand. No leaks. Whole procedure was a pain, but alls well that ends well. As for that gasket, I stretched it out a bit, which made it sit in the groove just fine. Why so much work with the bleeder screw?? All I did was open up the bleeder screw and pumped it until fuel came out. Done.

[@tobybeaman2000]

Groundhog - yes I have this question as well.

[@TonyaTko]

This video has been a life saver. Thank you for your generosity

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

You're welcome. Happy to help.

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

The tool just help every day people from damaging the sensor. We've seen pliers do a number on many of those sensors over the years.

[@jschaefer82]

Thanks guys! This video was a huge help!

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

Justin Schaefer Happy to help you out!

[@Mebob2001]

i find this is the only way to do a fuel filter ona duramax, good video man. working for GM changing lots of thes, i always remind people don't be cheep when it comes to fuel filters! but i dont think i dont think ive ever needed a tool to use a tool on fuel screw or filter, and neathor needs to be very tight, the pump draws the fuel from the tank usally.

[@dancannon6313]

Thanks for the great video, it was very helpful!! Great job!!

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

You're welcome!

[@jordanbusone5681]

no screws on the MAS... what's up with that?

[@Mebob2001]

this is the way Gm says to do it, its super easy , only need to tighten it by hand... not tools needed, remember its under vacumm not pressure, and vasoline works great for holding the seal into place3, just fill the groove some in 4 places, and put o ring in, lube wat the same time, then good to go, open screw pump till you see fuel, close screw then start bam done!

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

Kevin the biggest reason for the tool that we've found is that the sensor sticks, probably due to temperature changes. People then try to use a what ever tool they have at home to break the sensor loose and then in turn break the sensor. By no means is the water sensor wrench necessary.

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

brandon robinson We shot this video while we were also doing an intake install on this truck.

[@JohnnyBallou]

Great description with top video. Sure wish I watched before trying to take out filter downward, but I got a free bath in diesel!)

[@sirsweetness8332]

Wayne, is there a way of draining off the water on the stock fuel filter in between 12K mile change intervals? 2006 6.6 Duramax

[@ricknuthman1997]

Thanks ,I just did this to my 3500 GMC and it was nothing....Just saved $200.00

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

+Rick Nuthman Glad to hear!

[@nickrose7035]

This project took approx. 1 hour, with a $29 filter replacement. That will be 399.95 tyvm.

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

You're welcome. Happy to help.

[@mikef6706]

Fuel Filter? Is the Duramax fuel filter two cavities? Today I opened the drain nothing came out; I took the drain all the way out still nothing drains. This could be good or bad... I thought fuel would even drain out or maybe my drain/sensor is clogged?? Thank You, Your videos are great!

[@ralfie8801]

All of that effort putting a strap wrench on it when that step formed in the bottom of the filter body is there to accept the same filter wrench that fits your oil filter. And it’s a lot faster.

[@ProfessorApex]

Thanks for the video. Nice work.

[@tobybeaman2000]

GREAT review and explanations.

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

Thanks!

[@michellejohn695]

I just changed fuel filter like I always do in the past.When priming,I use the procedure you dedcribe as I always have. I cannot get fuel to the filter head.Truck ran beautiful before filter change.Its a 2008 LMM 6.6 Litre with 208k miles which is used every day. It has dual tanks with a total capacity of 40 gallons. It's lowish on fuel as I was going to fuel up tomorrow. Would being a bit low on fuel cause priming to be more difficult?????

[@Mechanicsville804]

Thank you! John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

[@fishingwithtimtjy6446]

I have changed mine a couple of times with good luck but this one has been a weird one. Twice now after driving it a few days it has died on me and I had to bleed it again. I see you bleed it a different. I have been loosening the bleed screw and pumping till the fuel comes out. Like I said it has worked for me but will try it your way. Also I need to get a strap wrench. I have just been using my hands and not sure if it's tight enough?

[@jsidneyfox1589]

My WIF warning comes on and goes nuts during a rain event. Unit wasrecently replaced along with the fuel filter by dealer. WIF warning only occured previously when fuel was contaaminated (rarely). Any ideas why this would happen? In dry weather (mostly the norm in drought ridden CA), it rarely acutates a warning. Velhicle is 03 Duramax with 260k miles.

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

I would be suspicious of wiring at the WIF sensor if you have replaced it. This is a hard one, because it needs to be diagnosed correctly because you need correct reporting when it comes to a water in fuel condition.

[@larrys4383]

Even with the sensor on the bottom of the filter?

[@Orrphan]

I’m so confused I have a 2007 express 3500 Duramax 6.6 and the new filter I bought has that metal housing and the O-rings but it also comes with a fiber filter unless I’m supposed to also install the fiber filter inside the metal canister.??

[@duracol8487]

Hello guys from arizona here. Where can i get or see a video how to change the clutch fan from my 2007 Silverado duramax please and thanks

[@NordicNevs]

So once installed, -open the bleed screw, and prime, close bleed screw and prime, open bleed screw and prime ??? How many times should this be done???

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

Until fuel comes out of the bleeder screw.

[@michellejohn695]

Last year,I let the dealer replace the fuel filter which was close to $200 with tax.I actually got stuck on the side of the road because the wif sensor was leaking.It was cracked,so,I am sure they over tightened it. Thanks to your detailed priming method,I decided to do this myself. Truck fired right up.The next morning, there was a split second more cranking than normal.After that,it fires right up as normal. Could there have been a small amount of air in the system which worked it's way out while driving?Its fine now.

[@david427steel]

If you fill the fuel filter with clean diesel it will save some time or eliminate priming completely. Of course make sure the fuel is clean because some of it won't be filtered. Thanks for the video, now I know I need a special tool to take the sensor off - thanks GM :P

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

david427steel Either will work. I don’t fill the filter on vacuum based low side systems like the Dmax because I know as I am priming if I have a hard time getting fuel “up top” that I may have a leakdown somewhere in my circuit. If I get fuel to the filter head quickly, then I know that my low side system is in good shape.

[@nickl2268]

david427steel you are under no circumstances to pre fill a new fuel filter....you must be crazy. its not that hard to pump it a few times.

[@davidg9167]

Nick Larson Nick, I've been pre filling diesel filters on heavy equipment and cranes that are worth more than your house for a few decades. Amount of problems - zero. Actually I've never seen a heavy equipment mechanic not pre fill a fuel filter. I've notice on my new CAT equipment that it's coming from the factory with an little inline electric priming pump. Anyone know if GM's recommends to pre fill or not pre fill?

[@nickl2268]

You are comparing a crane to a diesel truck... Pre-filling a fuel filter can damage your CP3/CP4 pump. I don't need 2 decades of experience to know that, go to any diesel truck forum and ask around, no one pre-fills their filters unless they don't know WTF they are doing. I have never had any issue priming my truck after changing the filter, and if you do, crack the bleed screw and have someon crank it over while you pump. Fires right up.

[@TDNomad]

david427steel Thats a poor way to go about it. You dont know if the diesel fuel that youre getting is "clean". & if you say "filter it before you pour it into the fuel filter" is waste. & not everybody can filter the fuel before hand. Dont pre-fill. Use the primer button. Nick Larson GM recommends to not pre-fill the fuel filter.

[@TSiZj]

oh cool. Love your videos guys! keep them coming

[@TSiZj]

Why are there no screws in the intake tube sensor? While your changing the bleeder screw I noticed it.

[@letlhogonolomarake8575]

How the sensor of the filter works

[@Silly_Goose820]

probably a dumb question but where can I get a filter wrench like that? great video very helpful

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

facebreaker91 Glad the video was very helpful. That is the WIF Sensor wrench from PPE, part number 513080012. It can be found here: www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/ppe/water-sensor-wrench.htm

[@stevenhardison5475]

You could have given that o-ring a little bit of a stretch to set in the top groove without slipping out. It's a pretty tough material.

[@donny6016]

Thanks for the video!

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

+Donny Franc Your welcome

[@stevenichols4060]

primer bulb is not adding any pressure. Pumping forever with your "close then open" procedure and then with it open just a little as another video described. I am never hearing the air bleed out or anything. I have pumped that thing a couple hundred times and no fuel or air spits out and the bulb never feels different (i.e. no back pressure against the bulb)??? Housing bad???

[@CK-jb8qh]

I've never had that problem @9:45 when I use just a finger full of engine oil. strange. why do you suggest grease?

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

Either way works fine. I have always used grease or petro jelly out of habit. Whatever works for you.

[@mikef6706]

How often do you recommend changing the bleeder screw o-ring?

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

That’s up to you. There really isn’t a preventative maintenance spec on it, but it is cheap and easy insurance against leaks.

[@randylavine3003]

After driving a 2008 duramax for a cpl hundred thousand, I found cutting in a "flap" near the filter is quick and easy. I drilled a cpl locations to install nylon zip ties to close the flap. Additionally I have installed an electric inline fuel pump which eliminates the need to prime the new filter. One problem I continue to have is this: every time I hook up a trailer and drive any distance my fuel filter sensor forces me to change it, usually on the road. This could happen with a brand new fiter, or one with 3000 miles on it . . .it is just a matter of plugging in a trailer. Any ideas?

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

More than likely you are having a high return rate from injectors or injection pump. Could be a cascade valve problem as well. Filter isn’t actually the problem, its likely a restriction or a leak back problem somewhere.

[@coastlineadventures1623]

Mine definitely isn’t tightening on like that

[@turbo-6.7l21]

@ Thoroughbred Diesel How do you feel about the CAT filter "upgrade"? Seems dangerous to me to have your water in fuel sensor out of the equation. Just curious. Great video once again.

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

www.dieseladdict.com/best-new-duramax-fuel-filter/ ^^ Article that could give some insight. Good upgrade in some applications.

[@turbo-6.7l21]

Thanks a bunch! By a lift pump, a FASS or air dog system should work right? I have one in my garage waiting to be installed. Thanks for the reply!

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

Turbo-6.7L Yes a lift pump is highly recommend. Both of those brands are good choices.

[@rebeccaloden8178]

what if you changed the fuel filter and didn't bleed the air off from the bleeder screw. i turned the truck on and the truck shut off 30 seconds later realized what i did and then bleed the air out from the bleeder screw and keapt pushing the primer until diesel fuel came out the bleeder screw. repeated this step 3 times do you think all the air is out of the fuel lines. we were on the hwy and the mass air flow code is displaying p0113 and we lost power going down the hwy. we have and efilive also. thank god we were only 40 miles away from home and made it back. if you know what the problem might be.

[@rebeccaloden8178]

it was the p0101 code

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

When you are going through your bleeding procedure, make sure that when you are opening the bleeder screw, that you close it back before you begin pumping again. So its pump pump, bleed, close bleeder, pump pump, repeat. The codes you are having are MAF and IAT related. Something going on around your air intake. Make sure you MAF is clean going forward to keep from having the truck go into limp mode. Feel free to call if you need assistance.

[@markh.2899]

Anybody using a Fass fuel filter and water separator?

[@dustin1pettingill]

what can happen if don't open the bleeder screw? will it mess anything up?

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

Its is extremely difficult to prime without opening the bleeder screw.

[@dustin1pettingill]

Thoroughbred Diesel Ive been priming mine for 216,000 miles now. and I really haven't had a problem. I just didn't know if over long term if it could possibly mess anything up.

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

dustin1pettingill Shouldn't be any big issues from it honestly.

[@elmono4766]

thanks

[@generalsoul1]

Why even put the bleeder screw back in when priming? Wouldn't it be easier just to leave it out until primed then put it back in. Even if a little fuel comes out it should be fine just wipe it off and put the screw back in.

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

+generalsoul1 If you leave the screw open while priming you will be bringing air back into the system.

[@generalsoul1]

+Thoroughbred Diesel plz correct me if I'm wrong I saw this in a video and in a diesel mechanic shop but I just figured if u pumped it until fuel came out the top and the air bubbles u would be fine

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

+generalsoul1 Understood. It is a vacuum based system. The screw is closed so you are not introducing air back into the system as you are pumping. The primer housing is designed to help you create the vacuum needed for fuel flow to the injection system. So, we pump the hand primer a few times, then open the bleed screw for a second. Repeat this process until all air has escaped and you have fuel flow to the filter head.

[@RadicallyLowly]

What if you glue the O-ring on to the fuel filter instead of using grease?

[@chadlovelady3310]

$27 for bleeder screw and PPE wrench but $38 for shipping! PASS!!!

[@baezagmcVORTEC]

how do you reset the fuel filter percentage

[@TDNomad]

Google it the best tool to use. With DIC buttons Crank the vehicle's engine so that the starter motor engages. Press/hold the check mark button until the FF resets to 100%. Without DIC buttons Insert the ignition key and turn it to the "Accessories" position. Press the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time for 10 seconds. This action resets the fuel filter life message.

[@reddog418]

Why bother tightening the bleeder screw every time you pump? Just leave it open and wait for the fuel to come out....

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

+reddog418 If you don't close the screw up it could introduce more air into the system with the hand pump.

[@reddog418]

+Thoroughbred Diesel got it. thanks! Great tutorial just finished on my truck with no issues.

[@kenshinhimura9387]

Why is there water in your filter? I just changed mine and it had no water, just fuel. Maybe you're buying bad diesel?

[@thoroughbreddiesel]

+Kenshin Himura This filter had about 30K miles on it. A small amount of water is to be expected with that amount of miles.

[@jamesagans6546]

What a Dumb-Assed design. GM, it Figures. Pull out the wheel well to change a filter, geeeez!

[@joelnorn154]

Go buy a Ford then

[@ThunderPantz01]

There is a kit you can buy that installs a hatch in the inner fender so you can just open it and reach through.

[@timdaines6747]

That was hard to watch. Cross threaded the filter putting it on....really? You’re a pro diesel shop? Also, grease on the o-ring doesn’t help it seal. It prevents it from galling or tearing while you thread in the sensor. Finally, try putting the top o-ring on dry, it won’t slide out like it did on you. Then, once in place, apply a tiny about of grease on the exposed part of the o-ring and it will prevent it from galling or tearing on install and it will stay in place much better than yours.