Fuel Filter Access Door

[BigRedChevy]

Thanks a lot to JHendrick1 for this write up and Pics

Having factory installed mud flaps, and having to take off the passenger front wheel well liner every time to properly drain the water and/or replace the fuel filter, seemed a bit ridiculous. Therefore, I did the following:

1) Purchased a new replacement passenger front wheel well liner from the GMC dealer for about $39.00 US dollars.

2) Cut out a section of the old liner so as to not disturb the two positive notches (see photos) that would be my “on-location” points during reinstallation

3) Cut out a new section to over-lap my cutout, being sure not to disturb the natural location and function of the liner

4) I wanted multiple contact bolt points, so I chose some self-locking J-type cage nuts (see attachment)

5) I took the photos to illustrate that the panel can be removed while the truck is on the ground, in the natural driving position. I was in the process of draining the water from the fuel filter, after doing an oil change. I took my previous and current trucks (2000 Ford F250 SD V-10 gas – 255,000 miles – replaced by GMC 3500) and (2004 Ford F350 SD V-10 gas – 176,640 miles) to higher mileage by keeping up on filter replacements & oil changes

6) Had this been engineered at the GMC factory, it would have been a huge success.

7) ** IMPORTANT –

a. Take out the OEM liner (with cutout) and overlay & clamp the new access panel, so as to drill both together assuring an aligned fit

8) Next project is to engineer a change to keep the “!@#$%^&ing” extended cab split rear seats up while driving. Gravity allows them to come down on top of cargo behind the driver’s seat. My Ford Super Duty’s always locked, but on the GMC’s does not…Love the LMM Duramax + Allison, so I’ll deal with it…for now.



Hope this helps

[mnwelsh]

Brilliant, well done, excellent work and nice description. I will definately do this next summer when it warms up. Thank You for posting this. I would have paid extra if this was on option from GM
Paul Welsh
Apple Valley, MN
2008 DRW, LTZ Crewcab

[Tow Master]

Wow that really does look like a great idea. I dont drive in the rain or snow mutch but Ill definatly pass this to my buddy who plows snow!

[omcvay]

I am anal about keeping up with my maintenance intervals. I looked under the hood at that filter and have been trying to figure out how to get it out. I need to change it in a couple of thousand miles. Thanks for the pictures. I'll be doing this soon!!

[Trprowen]

Great DIY write up! Thanks !

[MMLMM]

So you unbolt 6 bolts now and have a smaller hole to work in, when you can remove the entire liner with less or equal amount of fasteners and have a huge work area, lol?
To each there own.

Nice write up though and thanks for providing.


^ I hope my post dont sound like I'm being an asshole, thats not its intent.

[FLiSTi]

excellent write up, and great idea. Thanks

[max 06]

NICE i like it

[MR SHORTY]

Several sellers on eBay selling ready made panels with push pins..... Search for Duramax fuel filter or words to that effect to find the panels, wrenches and bleeder screws - not to mention filters!.........

duramax fuel filter, eBay Motors, Business Industrial items on eBay.com

:getrdone

[michiganmarty]

Originally Posted by MMLMM

So you unbolt 6 bolts now and have a smaller hole to work in, when you can remove the entire liner with less or equal amount of fasteners and have a huge work area, lol?

Well, I was planning on doing exactly this same mod since buying my truck. It will happen as soon as the weather breaks! And not just to have more screws and a smaller space to deal with, but because I have running boards that capture the wheel wells. The wheel wells cannot be removed without removing the front running board fasteners.

This is an excellent idea and he is to be commended. I work at GM and wish our engineers would frequent some of these web sites to get a better grasp of customer needs, requirements and plain old fashioned desires.