How To Maintain A Duramax Diesel “MUST WATCH”

[@herrprepper2070]

It’s all about common-sense maintenance. I run three diesels… A 1984 GM K2500HD with 6.2 diesel (bought new, 325,000 miles on it)… a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Mercedes diesel (bought used), and a 2009 GMC 3500 xtended cab with Duramax (bought new, 194,000 miles). The Jeep is my wife’s vehicle, the two GMC’s are work trucks on our place here in NW Wyoming. Best maintenance advice I ever got was from the head mechanic where I bought the 1984…”Never put it in gear until she’s warmed up… use the best oil you can afford… and use Power Service in every tank of fuel.” I’ve followed that advice religiously. When I bought the 2009 Duramax, I put 500 easy miles on it, then took it back to the dealer and had every filter and bit of fluids (except coolant, brake and power steering) replaced with fresh… in order to flush out any debris left in the truck at the factory. I then put 5,000 miles on it, changed everything again. Another 5,000 miles and repeat… except that third time, I used all AMSOIL full synthetics… differentials… engine… transmission… transfer case… and the AMSOIL 20-micron, 25,000 oil filter. I get a lab analysis once a year… change the Allison spin-on transmission filter and the stock GM fuel filter at every oil change. (5,000 to 10,000 miles… depending on lab results). The vehicles are always serviced with AMSOIL synthetic oil. Euro blend for the Jeep and 15w40 Max Duty for both GMC’s. Your results may vary. I keep everything bone stock… except for the perceived weak points of the 6.2 that I rectified… Dual oil filter setup, a Banks intake/exhaust and an upgraded NOS GM fuel filter setup made for mid 90’s diesel vans.

[@RichRebuilds]

This channel has been a huge inspiration for me with getting my first Duramax, Keep up the excellent work!

[@TruckMaster]

Definitely means a lot to hear it from you thanks

[@kingralph9133]

Kikyjikkykyk

[@rickydavis5541]

Did you get one yet? I going to get one soon!

[@DK1102]

@Truck Master I haven't watched this video yet, but a recommendation like this makes me pay attention that much more! Just picked up my 2022 AT4 after 10 months of waiting so I'm wanting to take care of it

[@matthewhutchison9438]

I’m 15 right now and I’m getting my dad’s 2011 gmc duramax and I will definitely be doing most of the things you have showed in this video.

[@nickdibiase123]

I love this guy Guy knows everything about these duramaxes even if this is an older video

[@anthonycolacheyachtbrokere5680]

I just purchased my first Duramax (2024 GMC 3500HD). I'll be a regular in an effort to learn everything needed to maintain the truck! Thank you.

[@chrissmith8769]

I found another way to check injectors if you don’t have a scan tool. Turn the truck on and once it’s warmed up, slowly rev the motor up to about 2500-3000 rpm then let off the throttle. If the rpm gauge goes down smoothly then the injectors are good. If the rpm gauge goes down then goes back up a little bit it’s a sign that one or more of the injectors isnt working right and still spraying fuel

[@TruckMaster]

I like your thinking

[@mikegarcia7452]

Thanks for the tip. I was stressing not having the scan tool

[@mikegarcia7452]

@@TruckMasterhow many miles between oil changes with amsoil?

[@great2c4me]

⁠I think it's 10,000 but you could always take an oil sample through cat or horizon / Polaris laboratories. Go on their website, they'll tell you what wear metals are displaying and what kind of fuel dilution you're dealing with.

[@deadmanwalkin9912]

Bought my first duramax about a month before I ETSd. Rebuilt the engine with an army vet at a trades school. I wish I had seen your channel before I started. Haha. Awesome stuff warrior!

[@jakebehr8708]

That’s crazy! I just bought a duramax, watching KZbin videos to get educated. Looking at that transfer case, north prairie wi is about 10 minutes from me. Blew my mind.

[@AQWbladefire]

Lucky you. I’d love one of their transfer cases although I will buy one from him, you can just drive over! Definitely a must do on these trucks

[@jbfairbanks4740]

Just got an 07 LMM so I am learning a ton from your vid's!!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge w/us!!! Keep 'em coming!!

[@Whiskeybende]

PPE +1 oil pan! Best investment I did for my Dmax! Flat bottom vs the hump in the stock oil pan which holds 16oz of dirty oil that will never drain out. As far as tie rods I run Rare Parts inner and outer tie rods as well as the Rare Parts pitman arm, idler arm and the pisk kit to keep the center link from rotating.

[@antonioreyes8209]

Great videos!! They sure do help a lot due to me being a first time diesel owner. Bought my 2003 2500 hd 4x4 with 93k miles. So stoked!!!! Keep the videos coming. Great job!!!

[@Grannypannies]

hope it came with newer injectors

[@kevinkaufman4868]

I run Stanadyne "Performance Formula" in my LML. The truck has a 35 gallon tank, I add one 8 oz. bottle per fuel-up. I have been happy with this product.

[@catbuth9862]

Honestly best KZbin Channel!!!! Someone that actually knows what he talking about when it comes to strict Diesel info and helpful. Definitely my channel for everything for info for my Duramax!!! I had 07 lbz and now 08 lmm thumps upp .. please more videos on the Lmm

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks!

[@brandonbarrentine7763]

Great info dude, don't forget to check oil level after running the engine to fill the new oil filter and check if you have directional tires, if they are directional then they don't switch sides during a rotation.

[@devondidion4996]

These are the best videos. You should keep on doing more like this if you can. Keep it up

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks

[@justinteel7172]

Just bought my first duramax 2016 Chevy 2500 today and this video helped with what I need to get and how to maintain the truck.

[@Gamullikin]

To be honest. I've never been into Duramax diesel trucks until I started watching your videos. Im looking into buying a duramax or powerstroke. Both are nice trucks

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks that’s awesome

[@Radar8717]

Me too and now mine is a shit show in pieces lol

[@crambow]

7.3 power stroke or 5.9 / 6.7 cummins all other choices are bad ;)

[@rickydavis2267]

Buy a Duramax or a Cummins seeing and hearing of the powerstroke and they issue it not good.

[@victoroliveira3256]

My L5p takes 16 quarts, yep 16, I have the ppe oil pan extra 2 quarts, than I have the Amsoil bmk filter and bypass extra 2 quarts, and I also made a custom exterior oil cooler which holds a additional 2 quarts with hoses, my oil changes cost me a arm and a tie rod, great video my man as usual.

[@TruckMaster]

Wow! Great job

[@devondidion4996]

I thought the PPE pan only added 1 QT

[@victoroliveira3256]

@@devondidion4996 no two on the l5p, it’s awesome

[@donaldthomas5852]

I have always used Shell Rotella 15W 40 in all my tractors and my 2001 lb7 Duramax. On one of my tractors it has 10,300 hours and still run good.

[@milkywey511]

Maintenance list. Fass pump cats filter, fass delete filter with water sensor engine cab. Mobil 1 oil, with Cat filter. Archoil fuel and oil treatment. Truck 09 LMM.

[@BeyondHighHopes]

I suggest looking into getting a Fumoto F106N FN series drain valve. You got plenty of other fancy stuff and seem to have overlooked this little gem. The valve eliminates the need to carry an oil pan while on the go and practically eliminates the risk of making a mess during a change. It is particularly useful for people like me that are towing trailers full time and find themselves doing oil changes at random places because the road trip never stops. Thanks for the video and glad to see the channel is doing well!

[@T18skyguy]

I second you on the Fumoto drain valve. I ended up installing one cause when I would drain oil on my lift, the oil would splash over the drain pan screen and onto the floor. The Fumoto makes it drain just right. So easy to change the oil now. No more wrenching the pan bolt.

[@blakeroberts5237]

I run Schaeffer’s 9000 in everything I own including my ‘01 LB7, 40hp tractor, 4 wheeler etc. Fantastic USA oil and reasonably priced. Glad you mentioned them.

[@bobemery2253]

i have been a chevy truck fan all my life and have driven semis since i was

[@jimsjacob]

Dude, I need to start saving my pennies for some of these upgrades. Just did my hydro-boost upgrade to the 2011 for my 2006 Duramax 2500HD. Big performance increase…. YT must have known I was ready and starting adding you to my feed. Subbed. Thx!

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks Jim

[@joe8319339]

Buddy like the vid. Please change your oil pan with the PPE High Capacity, Cast Aluminum Oil Pan #114052000. Add a magnetic drain plug. Does wonders. Plus remove the factory fuel filter / primer housing all together. You have a lift pump. It's not needed. M.

[@mikeclem3927]

your channel has inspired me so much i am going to look at a duramax this saturday ! my first diesel

[@tomvohol8684]

You should let people know to lube o rings especially on oil filter. Great video & love tour Channel.

[@Maximus-bu6eg]

Only add to the video. Pre fill the new oil filter before you install. Reduces time the motor goes without oil being pumped through. Reduces dry start.

[@MrPhatkatz]

Thought I would share that Amazon has a bundle deal on the A/C Delco oil filter, fuel filter and Allison transmission filter bundle deal $66 and some change. Where AutoZone wants $59.99 just for the fuel filter.

[@hatchetwarrior1240]

I need a video and how to maintain a free election with limited to no cheating

[@TruckMaster]

I hope I can help out with the recount 😂

[@hatchetwarrior1240]

@@TruckMaster did you see that there is a glitch that's counting TRUMP vote for biden in your state thankfully one of your fellow Patriots is a whistleblower over 6000 vote for TRUMP went to biden just in one county and they used that system in 47 counties in Michigan alone and atleast 8 or 9 swing states possibly more

[@Michigan-thrifter]

@@TruckMaster when your son ran away to avoid tire rotation, you said come on man.... I was like wait, I have my assumption of who you voted for and it was sleepy come on man joe. Absolutely love all your videos, I've learned so much from you

[@MiguelGarcia-nl3ci]

@@hatchetwarrior1240 its funny to see political crap here on a "tutorial of how to maintain your duramax" must be really asshurt🤣

[@macheteslice]

If we use the quadratic formula and the critical path method to obtain the correct results, it might change the way of our Land.

[@joefitzgerald2886]

I’m still getting all notifications and watch you Chanel as soon as I can look forward to the next every time

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks Joe

[@xDannyBeats]

Going to check out a Duramax tomorow. Never owned a diesel. thanks for all the tips for people like me! I drive a 87 Suburban that my Grandfather got new in 89 everyday right now, but looking to get something a little more modern for the family

[@maggiesparkle]

Now to find a way to have this video put on repeat on my dash ❤

[@andrewsampica498]

Thanks Ill check my coolant fluid hose everyday. Truly the master!!

[@kakarot82]

Can't go wrong with Rotella. I've run it in Caterpillar C 15s and C-15s for years and now in my L5P. Also Project Farm has a great video series on oil and shows how good it is. Love the videos. You are really talking me into an Airdog.

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks

[@connorchecketts]

Another tip is if you don’t have a high pressure fuel rail 07 and older basically pre emissions. You can fill up the fuel filter with ATF and it will clean the injectors.( DO NOT USE ON A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL RAIL). But it’s a trick I’ll use as a diesel mechanic.

[@everlysuniquetimbersawshop]

I just bought a 2008 with 233,000 on it. Does it have a high pressure rail? Any advice on how to clean the injectors and keep everything happy?

[@connorchecketts]

@@everlysuniquetimbersawshop if it’s the lmm then yes you do. If you do have one I’d recommend getting a diesel fuel treatment and just running that through it. (NOT gas treatment). On a lot of those because you have a DPF and EGR there’s a lot of very sensitive components you don’t want to send anything other that diesel. Other than that there’s not much you can do for the injectors.

[@connorchecketts]

@@everlysuniquetimbersawshopanother thing is keep up to date on filters if you’re sending dirty fuel through your injectors. You can kiss your injectors goodbye.

[@everlysuniquetimbersawshop]

@@connorcheckettsit has been deleted. I’ll buy some hot shots and will use it every fill up.

[@connorchecketts]

@@everlysuniquetimbersawshop then imo you’re doing everything you can. I still wouldn’t use atf just because of the hpfr.

[@nakoda7354]

I just bought my first 07 gmc2500hd 6.6 and this video has helped me so much thanks man

[@TheRealDaveRiddle]

Another awesome video. Today was my maintenance day too. So I was thinking..You have Redmax, Wifemax, And my favorite VictoryMax. Maybe it’s time for Fanmax? You know where your biggest fan Drives his mostly stock LBZ with 156k miles from Utah to you and drops it off and you and your brothers in awesomeness work your magic on it. Lol. I really like the Idea of Fanmax. It doesn’t have to be your biggest fan from Utah It could be your second or third biggest fan that probably deserves it more than your biggest fan: lol. Thanks again for the awesome content. It’s something I can watch with my 13 year old and he loves it.

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks! That’s awesome

[@ermannodangelo4087]

I noticed you had transmission filters on table but didn’t show changing them. How often would you change them and do you use Allison filters or aftermarket also which fluid do you use. Thanks

[@white24valve]

While the truck front end is in the air...stick a sleaver bar under the tire and lift up to check the ball joints.

[@mikegarcia7452]

How do you know if it’s good or bad?

[@white24valve]

@@mikegarcia7452 if there is any clunking/movement

[@JackNelson-cq7ix]

Great videos - but above all thank you for your service to our country!! I really mean it.

[@minirqulafi8611]

Thank you for all of your videos I’ve learned alot in the last year first time owning Chevy Silverado 3500 6.6 duramax

[@charlesswearengin2404]

What's your opinion of putting Seafoam in your crankcase, for sludge reduction. O8 LMM 117,000. I basically use Seafoam to fill the volume for my oil filter. I bought a tuner, and more than doubled my mileage and power. Its stock, K&N breather filter, removed muffler at flange and 5" to the back. Lift pump is in the near future Air Dog, because of frame rail mounting.

[@MotherMartini]

I took notes. Feel like I just went to the best seminar on Duramax. Thanks

[@JoeJohnson-uj2xp]

Love that your using amsoil!!!! I'm a dealer

[@zlspears11]

Cat offers a oil filter and a adapter for $75. Autozone has ramps you can drive up on you can change your oil and grease your front end so much easier

[@alexanderson3106]

Love the videos man, I’ve been watching for a long time since way before you painted your truck and it was still black. I just bought my first Duramax and I have gotten a lot of information from your videos that is helping me out a lot, thanks for the good content👍🇺🇸

[@rickypisarchick7127]

Flat bottom oil pan. Forward facing thermostat housing

[@victoroliveira3256]

I did the coolant hard hose test just like you said and I found that it was hard as a rock............does it matter that it is aluminum wcfab pipe..........I’m a moron lol.

[@TruckMaster]

😂

[@clintbrock8052]

What a relief. I was having the same problem. Haha

[@carsonhoover5767]

I own a 2022 Colorado zr2 bison with the 2.8 diesel great vid btw. My first “new” diesel. Have owned many pre def diesels in the past and you vid is spot on .

[@tomg8673]

You ever think of adding an Amsoil Oil Filtration System on any of your Trucks? Very slick set up with additional miles before oil changes / plus the additional protection. Love your channel!!!

[@kylerokitjanski7598]

Hmmm, 0w40 full syn oil since I’m a Canuck, Donaldson fuel filter up top, Donaldson blue for the oil, fleetgard filters on the lift pump, fumoto valve on the oil pan, Allison Oem filters. Optilube xpd when I remember to grab it or else stanadyne lubricity formula.

[@ipotch1]

I run Amsoil 15w40 heavy duty diesel and marine oil. The guys at my heavy equipment shop say there is less emission additives in this oil and better for the engine. Obviously I took their word for it and I don’t have facts about it. But I’ve been running it in my LBZ for two years now and she runs strong with 235k miles currently.

[@swaggerdo7231]

MAF sensor cleaner - wow, thank you for the tip!

[@zupcompany]

how come you went with ppe tie rods and not the kryptonite tie rods?

[@rydermaxwell7780]

Standyne and hot shots are the best fuel additives

[@davidparizek1210]

Can’t wait for the juniormax build, it will be awesome 😀 Thank you for your service 🇱🇷

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks

[@Menace_OG2]

Gonna go checkout a 04 LB7 with 155k on the dash, this helps me out a ton. def gonna bring a scan tool with me to check the injector rates for sure.

[@Blackjack_focus_st3]

Love the videos brotha keep up the great work love learning from you. Plus u have inspired me to do more work myself that I have never done and it's all due to you and these super helpful videos.

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks Chris

[@mikefruin]

Really appreciate all of your content, using it as inspiration and knowledge base as I prep for a suspension build. Cheers

[@MrShrektom]

If you would purchase an preferred customer package from Amsoil, you would get all their products at dealer cost. Also if you would purchase the bypass oil filter system you will save money with extended oil changes.

[@hollowpoint372]

I love your videos. I’m a pretty new dramax owner (07 LBZ) and maintenance videos like this really help. I also runs amsoil in all of my vehicles.I think the quality helps the vehicles run better longer. I also had an amsoil oil bypass system installed in my duramax. I also got an air dog on your recommendation. Would you consider doing a transmission fluid flush video? It’s the next thing I need to do on my duramax and I want to make sure I do it right. Where are the jack points (I’m new to DIY maintenance)? Also does the scanner tool you mentioned in the beginning scan for engine light codes? Thanks a lot. Keep up the good work.

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks! The scanner will do basically everything you need it to for a diy guy like myself

[@NickSwindell-th4gv]

Do you ever use any oil additives ?

[@HuntsT]

I highly highly recommend you try Amsoil's SAE 15W-40 Heavy-Duty Diesel and Marine Oil. It's not to be used for post 2007 trucks with DPF installed. I have used it and according to analysis of several other oils compared to it that I've done and used it is definitely the best, even compared to other Amsoil oils.

[@2smoker_775]

Your videos are amazing, I’ve been watching you ever since I bought my lly over two years ago. Your videos have been so helpful thank you keep up the great content

[@nickjordan7095]

As usual great content! I personally knew all this from your channel and few others and my old man at home. So greatful for the content, keep it comin!!! 🇺🇸👍🏼

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks nick 👍

[@benjaminrbunnell]

I’ll make sure to check those oil shavings.

[@Muzzleblast-1911]

Check oil shavings....Copy! Lol, thanx for the info, I'm new to the duramax family. I can turn a wrench, but I don't know much about diesels.

[@chrisjackson4385]

How's your duramax experience been in the past 3 years?

[@kalebsmith2349]

I like synthetic cause it works better in the winter with the cold starts

[@Timshady124]

Saw you by marsh rd yesterday your truck looks way better in person man

[@williamwallace4879]

Excellent video as always, yes I only use Amsoil in my Duramax.. Thanks!

[@jaredwalter5024]

Where did you get your cap to block off the fuel filter

[@Owen-w2e]

Great information, i recently got a 09 and it has wix on the fass and a wix on the factory fuel filter and has no water sensor its just the canister. I was wondering if you knew that part number to that filter option. I can't get part number without removing and haven't researched hours but awhile. I figured id be ok replacing them before winter and eventually putting the horseshoe hose on to delete it. Im use to old 7.3 powerstroke with leaky fuel bowl and everything, i question the fass filters being EXTRA exposed down there in sub zero with blended fuel and treatment even idk . Would i still need to pump the plunger on factory to prime with the fass on there? Also wondering what intervals to change little canister filter on trans and if that has a wix option. Any help is appreciated as i know i can eventually find answers but figured you or some viewers may be able to steer me in the right direction. Sorry for writing a book and using punctuation when I felt like it. Thanks for all the information you know your duramax for sure.

[@tcab25]

You mentioned one oil change vs two by using the PPE. Is that 1 oil change in 15k miles. Sounds crazy!

[@rogueperformancegarage5836]

If you use the signature series and a amsoil filter your good for 15k miles

[@D1rtyghetto.L5P]

HotShots EDT, Schaeffer's 15w40, and OEM filters for my L5P. I'm still a diesel newbie though. Great Vid!

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks!

[@clintbrock8052]

Good choice. After trying a bunch of other stuff, I've settle on the edt and schaffer's.

[@GapdU]

2014 Silverado 3500 LTZ CCLB Dually. Broken crank, tcm failure, tcm hard to find. Blown head gasket right after purchase, $2000 to fix. Drove 4 months and tcm goes out. Paid $2500 for tcm drove 1 month then crank brakes. Cummins ftw and never looked back. Id never buy a duramax truck again and Ive been a chevy guy all my life. If its not a gas truck its not worth the trouble.

[@daftnord4957]

I've been squeezing my radiator hose scared that it's too much pressure. But has never been rock hard. After driving for a long time it feels firm, can't squeeze it completely together. So hopefully it's normal. Kind of scary buying a diesel that has had a lot of unknown modifications done

[@TruckMaster]

I’m sure it’s fine

[@Vikingarrogance]

Great video, however pro tip cover the positive battery nut so you don't weld on your dipstick.

[@kellyburdette6108]

Truck master when are you going to upgrade to P P E trans and oil pan ?

[@denniscrouse1144]

You said you use PPE oil filter, why in the video you took off a A/C Delco filter?

[@Coalbucketcd91]

Can you please talk about the ppe fuel filter. bought the kit,but don't know what to do with the fuel water separator.

[@larrymiguez8995]

Question: I have a 2016 6.6 L Turbo Diesel Duramax 2500HD. The chimes sound is way too loud. Setting the volume control to 0 in the setting controls on the truck's touch screen does not lower the volume. What is controlling the chime volume on this truck? The dealership has been unable to answer my question and the KZbin videos are of no help.

[@white24valve]

Fumoto valve...no mess

[@danielgregg2530]

What should the oil pressure gauge be reading?

[@Hakken1]

I have been using nothing but Amsoil on my vehicles since I was sixteen.

[@acer4769]

After thinking about it for a long time and owning ford's for years. I finally want to venture into a diesel. And this channel has inspired me to look for a duramax an LBZ or LMM. Not looking for anything new just want a nice diesel I can use. Which one would you recommend is better for a beginner diesel newbie? Maintenance and dependability wise 🤔

[@matthewbloom6715]

I use wolfs head 15w40 and 2qts of Lucas oil stabilizer.

[@Niko-iq8bc]

What’s the name of the ladder you have that you climb to get under the hood?

[@drewk5929]

I use the signature series amsoil and love It other then the duramax does use oil now between changes and it don’t leak a drop so....

[@russbyrd3221]

Great Video, I needed to know this for my Frankenstein Lbz.

[@nathanwilson6670]

Are you missing the passenger wiper blade?

[@TruckMaster]

I was waiting for someone to notice! 😂

[@nathanwilson6670]

@@TruckMaster Appreciate your videos. Just installed a lift pump and your video was very helpful

[@singletrackid3172]

If you run a lift pump should you cap the fuel filter under the hood like he did? If so, where do you get the cap?

[@noahdrysdale8664]

Been absolutely binge watching your videos have a 6.0 gasser cateye right now that’s a daily and honestly to far gone to try and fix up with it being a daily won’t get rid of it but always wanted a cateye duramax as well so as I’m saving for and watching the marketplace for the duramax I’m trying to learn everything I can to pick the best one and then be able to maintain it properly. With that being said how often would you suggest doing all this is it the same as gas every 5,000 or is some of this stuff every other oil change or something like that. I know this video is 3 years old but any reply would be much appreciated

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks! You can get away with every 10k but I like to change mine 5-7k miles

[@MudRFunR]

That plug at 7:00 cracked on my LLY. I was driving along and it stalled. When I tried to prime it I noticed fuel seeping out by the plug. Got it running but stalled several times before getting home.

[@joshadams7542]

Great stuff, love the maintenance videos!

[@TruckMaster]

Thanks

[@MyTractorGuy]

Get the Amsoil oil filter system. With an EGR delete and that system you'll never need to change your oil again. Just the filters. 😉

[@lawrenceheinz2679]

I’ve been using Amsoil since I bought my GMC LMM new in 2007. Never had issues.

[@lawrenceheinz2679]

AND just completed my pcv reroute and race fuel valve today. While I was at it, remove the turbo heat shield and repositioned the down pipe/ turbo ban clamp in prep for future change outs. Studied your videos closely!

[@VanH-br4pg]

Yea great aspersions 🙏 Duramax speaking, what causes head gasket failure?

[@Alexander-fr1kk]

I used 85 Plus in my ‘06 LBZ... I really like that additive.