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2020 2500HD Z71 Fuel Filter Change

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51K views 30 replies 16 participants last post by  redwngr  
#1 ·
First time diesel/Duramax owner. I changed the fuel filter with no issues. Primed and started without any issues. (Filter is easily accessible at the front side of fuel tank, 36mm socket).
After starting I immediately heard a hissing/venting sound coming from the top of the fuel tank area. I drove it around the block, turned it off and restarted again without any issues. I am presuming it is just venting air from the filter change. Am I correct? Or do I need to do something else? Thank you!
 
#5 ·
page 86, 2020 diesel supplement

Part GM .........................Part Number.... ACDelco Part Number
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.. 84554703........... A3248C
Fuel Filter.......................... 23304096............ TP1015
Engine Oil Filter................. 12684038.......... PF26
 
#6 ·
I changed mine in the last 2000 miles, i actually had to reuse old orings because the new ones leaked immediately after installation. Hopefully it was just a bad set of orings. Would love to convert it over to a better filter system.
 
#7 ·
Hi Everyone,

I've searched a little here; but, could probably do more before posting.

Just curious about the fuel filter life on our 2020 2500 DuraMax. I'm just over 20,000 miles, and the alert is on to change the fuel filter. On our 2015 Duramax 3500 the fuel filter didn't require changing until about 50,000 miles. Is ~20,000 miles the new normal?

(I need to do some more research. Based on a few of the posts that I have read, the filter is now located closer to the fuel tank. I'm hoping that means that it's not quite as involved to change as it was on the previous DuraMax trucks I've owned.)

Thanks for any input.

Jeff
 
#13 ·
Fuel filter location is shown in the Diesel supplement, along with instructions for change.

Image


On the older ones the recommendation was the soonest of
22,500 miles
2 years
Fuel filter monitor reaches zero

It was common for the monitor to go way beyond 22,500 if no dirty fuel was encountered.
The fuel filter minder programming did not have an internal date/time counter.


From Diesel supplement for 2015 LML (iirc, it was same for all LML's)

For Pickups

Replace the fuel filter when the CHANGE FUEL FILTER message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on. See Fuel System Messages on page 5-13.

If the fuel filter has not been replaced, or if the vehicle has been driven 36 000 km/ 22,500 mi or more since the fuel
filter was last replaced, replace the filter and reset the message.
The diesel fuel filter may need to be replaced more frequently, based on biodiesel usage, driving in severe dust climate or off-road driving or towing a trailer for extended periods.

The fuel filter should be replaced at least every 2 years.
 
#8 ·
To simply answer your question, yes. New design, requires changing more frequently. Also, there's a couple horror stories on here with people's fuel filters failing and causing havoc on the fuel system. I'm personally doing 10K changes regardless of what the DIC says. It's a relatively cheap filter, and only 15 minutes at most to do the job yourself.
 
#10 ·
Yes, there's also a general tip...

After you remove the bowl and filter from the truck, do not immediately separate the filter from the bowl. Head over to a trash can and hold the bowl upside down so the filter faces down into the trash can. Pull the filter straight down out of the bowl.

If you don't do that, you run the risk of dirt dropping into the bowl which will then be sucked into your fuel system when you fire back up.
 
#11 ·
Just take a little time and clean the bowl before you install the new filter. Don't tighten the crap out of it on reinstallation. Helps if you use a TINY bit of grease on the orings- just rub them between your fingers with the lube- saves from rolling or pinching them
 
#14 ·
This includes a bunch of other stuff, but it shows a visual of why viper8315 is warning about turning the bowl and filter upside down before pulling out the filter.


Inspecting the Diesel Fuel System for Contamination
October 31, 2019
Water and other contaminates in diesel fuel will create drivability concerns and a loss of engine power. If water and/or debris is present in the fuel system, the fuel cannot cool and lubricate the components properly, which may lead to overheating, rust, corrosion and, ultimately, component failure. Water and debris can enter the fuel system in several ways, either through a contaminated refueling source, plugged venting or through long-term condensation in the fuel tanks of the vehicle.
If fuel system contamination is present on 2017-2020 Silverado 2500/3500, Sierra 2500/3500; 2019-2020 Silverado 4500HD/5500HD/6500HD; and 2020 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 models equipped with the 6.6L V8 Duramax diesel engine (RPO L5P, L5D) or 3.0L I6 Duramax diesel engine (RPO LM2), diagnostics will often lead to removing the fuel/water filter to inspect for contamination. (Fig. 8) In these cases, use care when removing the fuel/water filter and do not reinstall the fuel/water filter into the housing until the fuel/water separator reservoir has been cleaned.

Image
Fig. 8

If the fuel/water filter is removed from the fuel/water separator reservoir incorrectly, any debris in the fuel may fall into the reservoir and get pumped back into the fuel system, leading to the same engine performance concerns.
TIP: Do not replace any fuel system components if contamination has been found. Flush the fuel system first. Once the system has been flushed, continue with the diagnostics in the appropriate Service Information.

Fuel/Water Filter Operation
The fuel/water filter assembly consists of a fuel filter/water separator, fuel heater, fuel temperature sensor, and a water in fuel sensor. The filter (Fig 9, #3) is designed to remove water as well as any particles/debris from the fuel system.


Fig. 9

When fuel/water enters the filter, it travels through the paper filter element (Fig. 10, A), which traps particles/debris that were in the fuel that may damage the fuel injection system. Any trapped particles should remain on the outside of the filter. The fuel then travels through the water separator (Fig. 10, B), which pulls the water out. The water collects in the bottom of the fuel/water separator reservoir (Fig. 10, C). There is a drain in the reservoir. The filtered fuel is returned to the fuel system.

Image
Fig. 10

If a new filter is installed without cleaning the fuel/water separator reservoir, any debris that may be in the reservoir may limit the performance of the filter and water separator as well as lead to contaminated fuel re-entering the fuel injection system.

Fuel/Water Filter Removal
The fuel/water filter must be removed correctly to prevent debris from entering the fuel/water separator reservoir.
When removing the filter from the housing, use care to not separate the filter from the fuel/water separator reservoir. (Fig. 11)

Image
Fig. 11

To separate the filter from the fuel/water separator reservoir, place the filter downward in a clean, dry drain pan and pull the filter down. (Fig. 12)

Image
Fig. 12

If the filter is facing upward, any debris left on the sides of the filter may escape past the O-ring seal during removal and settle in the fuel/water separator reservoir. (Fig. 13) Once reinstalled to the housing, the water/debris left in the water/fuel separator reservoir will flow past the filter and directly in to the fuel injection system when the engine is started.

Image
Fig. 13

Inspect the fuel/water separator reservoir and the filter for heavy debris. If heavy debris is found in the filter, clean the fuel/water separator reservoir and continue with the fuel system flushing procedure.
If no signs of debris are found, clean the fuel/water separator reservoir, install a new filter and refer to the appropriate Service Information to continue diagnosis.
TIP: Some models may have a fuel filter life monitor. Reset the system after installing a new filter using a scan tool or the Driver Information Center controls in the vehicle. (Fig. 14)

Image
Fig. 14

Fuel System Flushing
With the fuel filter installed, disconnect the chassis-side fuel feed hose from the engine-side fuel feed pipe and place the end of the chassis-side fuel feed hose into a clean container. Run the fuel pump to clean any debris left in the fuel lines. Also clean the fuel/water separator reservoir and install a new fuel filter.
Next, disconnect the chassis-side fuel return hose from the engine-side return pipe. Install a clear line between the fuel supply hose and the fuel return hose and run the fuel pump until the fuel runs clear in the line. (Fig. 15)

Image
Fig. 15

Reconnect the chassis-side fuel feed hose to the engine-side fuel feed pipe. Connect a clear line in series at the fuel return hose to the engine return pipe and run the fuel pump until the fuel runs clear in the line. (Fig. 16) Reconnect all fuel lines and test for any DTCs or any fuel symptoms.

Image
Fig. 16

For additional information, refer to the latest version of Bulletin #18-NA-361.
 
#26 ·
This includes a bunch of other stuff, but it shows a visual of why viper8315 is warning about turning the bowl and filter upside down before pulling out the filter.


Inspecting the Diesel Fuel System for Contamination
October 31, 2019
Water and other contaminates in diesel fuel will create drivability concerns and a loss of engine power. If water and/or debris is present in the fuel system, the fuel cannot cool and lubricate the components properly, which may lead to overheating, rust, corrosion and, ultimately, component failure. Water and debris can enter the fuel system in several ways, either through a contaminated refueling source, plugged venting or through long-term condensation in the fuel tanks of the vehicle.
If fuel system contamination is present on 2017-2020 Silverado 2500/3500, Sierra 2500/3500; 2019-2020 Silverado 4500HD/5500HD/6500HD; and 2020 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 models equipped with the 6.6L V8 Duramax diesel engine (RPO L5P, L5D) or 3.0L I6 Duramax diesel engine (RPO LM2), diagnostics will often lead to removing the fuel/water filter to inspect for contamination. (Fig. 8) In these cases, use care when removing the fuel/water filter and do not reinstall the fuel/water filter into the housing until the fuel/water separator reservoir has been cleaned.

Image
Fig. 8

If the fuel/water filter is removed from the fuel/water separator reservoir incorrectly, any debris in the fuel may fall into the reservoir and get pumped back into the fuel system, leading to the same engine performance concerns.
TIP: Do not replace any fuel system components if contamination has been found. Flush the fuel system first. Once the system has been flushed, continue with the diagnostics in the appropriate Service Information.

Fuel/Water Filter Operation
The fuel/water filter assembly consists of a fuel filter/water separator, fuel heater, fuel temperature sensor, and a water in fuel sensor. The filter (Fig 9, #3) is designed to remove water as well as any particles/debris from the fuel system.


Fig. 9

When fuel/water enters the filter, it travels through the paper filter element (Fig. 10, A), which traps particles/debris that were in the fuel that may damage the fuel injection system. Any trapped particles should remain on the outside of the filter. The fuel then travels through the water separator (Fig. 10, B), which pulls the water out. The water collects in the bottom of the fuel/water separator reservoir (Fig. 10, C). There is a drain in the reservoir. The filtered fuel is returned to the fuel system.

Image
Fig. 10

If a new filter is installed without cleaning the fuel/water separator reservoir, any debris that may be in the reservoir may limit the performance of the filter and water separator as well as lead to contaminated fuel re-entering the fuel injection system.

Fuel/Water Filter Removal
The fuel/water filter must be removed correctly to prevent debris from entering the fuel/water separator reservoir.
When removing the filter from the housing, use care to not separate the filter from the fuel/water separator reservoir. (Fig. 11)

Image
Fig. 11

To separate the filter from the fuel/water separator reservoir, place the filter downward in a clean, dry drain pan and pull the filter down. (Fig. 12)

Image
Fig. 12

If the filter is facing upward, any debris left on the sides of the filter may escape past the O-ring seal during removal and settle in the fuel/water separator reservoir. (Fig. 13) Once reinstalled to the housing, the water/debris left in the water/fuel separator reservoir will flow past the filter and directly in to the fuel injection system when the engine is started.

Image
Fig. 13

Inspect the fuel/water separator reservoir and the filter for heavy debris. If heavy debris is found in the filter, clean the fuel/water separator reservoir and continue with the fuel system flushing procedure.
If no signs of debris are found, clean the fuel/water separator reservoir, install a new filter and refer to the appropriate Service Information to continue diagnosis.
TIP: Some models may have a fuel filter life monitor. Reset the system after installing a new filter using a scan tool or the Driver Information Center controls in the vehicle. (Fig. 14)

Image
Fig. 14

Fuel System Flushing

With the fuel filter installed, disconnect the chassis-side fuel feed hose from the engine-side fuel feed pipe and place the end of the chassis-side fuel feed hose into a clean container. Run the fuel pump to clean any debris left in the fuel lines. Also clean the fuel/water separator reservoir and install a new fuel filter.
Next, disconnect the chassis-side fuel return hose from the engine-side return pipe. Install a clear line between the fuel supply hose and the fuel return hose and run the fuel pump until the fuel runs clear in the line. (Fig. 15)

Image
Fig. 15

Reconnect the chassis-side fuel feed hose to the engine-side fuel feed pipe. Connect a clear line in series at the fuel return hose to the engine return pipe and run the fuel pump until the fuel runs clear in the line. (Fig. 16) Reconnect all fuel lines and test for any DTCs or any fuel symptoms.

Image
Fig. 16

For additional information, refer to the latest version of Bulletin #18-NA-361.
REDWNGR I have a question about priming the new fuel filter on my 2021 push button start D-max. When I press the push button (with no pressure on brake pedal) it turns on the accessory circuit, but does not seem to activate the fuel pump. At least I do not hear the fuel pump. I then just start the truck which cranks over for a few seconds which seems to prime the system and the truck runs. It seems as if I should prime the pump to fill the filter then it should be ready to start.
I am not a fan of cranking with no fuel moving in the system. Models with keyed ignitions let you turn on the key which then activates the pumps. By cycling that step a few times the system is primed. Is there a process for the push button start trucks? THANKS.
 
#15 ·
@redwngr , you da man. I just didn't feel like searching for that earlier this morning.

I've personally chosen 10K due to @blythkd1 horror story where his fuel filter failed and his truck was never the same afterwards. It made him buy a gas truck in fact.
 
#17 ·
The thread below is why I've chosen to change early. Free country and do whatever you're comfortable with. I merely want to share someone else's experience...


We're also crossing topics here a bit, but the original topic and recent questions were for the L5P, not a 2015. I'm not making any statements for the earlier filter design. It's definitely superior than what we have now.
 
#18 ·
Hey Everyone,

I changed the filter yesterday. No surprises. With the factory steps that are on the truck, though, I'd better not gain any weight if I expect to change the filter without a lift. lol

I do have a question about something I read on another thread. (I can't find that thread now.)

It said that the fuel system on the 2020+ should be primed by turning on the ignition without a foot on the brake. I tried four different times, opening the driver door a couple of times, too. Never could hear any priming going on. Finally I just went ahead and put my foot on the brake and hit start. It cranked for 4 or 5 seconds and then started right up. I let it idle for ten minutes with no issues.

Is there a way to initiate a prime before attempting to start the engine?

Thanks,

Jeff
 
#19 ·
Supposed to turn key on/off several times without starting. Then start engine. Pump is very quiet so you might not here it run. Procedure in owners manual
 
#20 ·
Priming the Fuel System
There is an electric priming pump
that will bring fuel to the engine and
eliminate air in the fuel lines. To
prime the engine:
1. Correct any condition that caused the loss of prime.
2. Turn the ignition on for 30 seconds. Do not start the engine. The fuel pump will start priming.
3. Turn the ignition off, then back to start, and crank the engine for 15 seconds.
4. If the engine does not start, repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the engine starts. If the engine does not start after repeating Steps 2 and 3 three times, turn the ignition off
for 60 seconds.
5. Repeat the above steps until the engine starts.
6. If the engine starts, but does not run smoothly, increase the engine speed slightly.
7. If the engine starts and runs but stalls again, turn the ignition off for 60 seconds.
8. When the engine starts, let it idle for a few minutes and check the filter for any leaks
 
#21 ·
Hi Guys,

Thanks for the input. I should have read the manual, in addition to using the information that I read online.

Because of my attempts to prime twice, and then cranking the engine until it started (approximately 4 to 5 seconds), I'm relatively confident that the priming was satisfactory. (I let the engine idle for about 10 minutes without any fuel lieak or sputtering.)

Thanks,

Jeff
 
#24 ·
On my 2020 HC pushing the start button did not start the priming pump. After several attempts, door open, close, several choice words, etc….. I touched the brake after pushing the start button. The priming pump started and primed the system. I wrote that step in the manual that came with the truck. Would be nice if GM provided the correct procedure for trucks with a start push button vice key start. I’ll try holding the start push button for 5 seconds next filter change to see if that works.
 
#25 ·
They don't go into accessory mode / service mode until 5 sec or more of button press.

Priming procedure does call for 30 seconds with ignition on.

I agree, the manual could be clearer.