How to Change the Fuel Filter on an 08 Chevy 2500 Duramax

The 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is available with an optional 6.6-liter Duramax turbo diesel V-8 engine that produced 365 horsepower. The 2008 2500HD is available in both two-wheel and four-wheel-drive formats. The fuel filter on the 2008 2500HD Duramax engine has a built-in water-fuel separator known as the water-in-fuel separator. This device is common on diesel engines to keep the water out of the fuel filter and the engine. The smallest amount of water in the engine of the 2008 2500 HD Duramax diesel can cause the engine not to start or run.

Instructions

1

Raise the hood on the Silverado. Loosen the passenger front wheel lug nuts using a tire iron. Raise the front of the Silverado using a 2-ton jack. Place jack stands beneath the front frame rails, on both sides of the engine. Lower the truck onto the stands. Completely remove the passenger front lug nuts, then remove the front wheel and tire from the truck. Remove the two rear wheel-well insert screws from the insert using a ratchet and socket. Push the wheel-well insert outward to access the fuel filter.

2

Place a hose on the bottom of the fuel-water separator, which is the small nipple at the bottom of the fuel filter. Insert the other end of the hose into a fuel-resistant container. Open the bottom valve of the filter about a three-quarter turn, and let all of the fuel completely drain from the filter assembly. Remove by hand the water-in-fuel sensor from the engine wiring harness.

3

Rotate the fuel filter to remove it from the fuel filter assembly. Completely remove the fuel filter and water-in-fuel sensor from the vehicle. Remove the water-in-fuel sensor from the bottom of the old fuel filter by rotating the sensor base. Use pliers to rotate the sensor if needed.

4

Immediately install the sensor into the new fuel filter. Turn the sensor until the seal contacts the fuel filter. Turn the sensor base one-half turn farther to lock it onto the fuel filter. Inspect the fuel heating element on the fuel filter assembly for corrosion or contamination, which can cause fuel leaks. The heating element is on the bottom of the fuel filter assembly to which the fuel filter mounts. Replace the heating element if it is corroded or contaminated with dirt.

5

Place a thin coating of engine oil on the upper fuel filter O-ring seal, with your finger. Install the fuel filter onto the fuel filter assembly. Rotate the filter until the O-ring seal contacts the assembly. Turn the fuel filter one-quarter turn farther to completely seal the filter. Insert by hand the water-in-fuel sensor back onto the engine wiring harness.

6

Pump up and down the small hand pump on top of the fuel filter assembly. This assembly is the fuel primer. Continue pumping until the filter is full with fuel. Allow the primer shaft to fully extend upward after each pump.

7

Install the rear wheel-well insert back into its position, and tighten the mounting screws to 22 inch-pounds using a torque wrench and socket. Install the front wheel on the truck. Tighten the lug nut snug using the tire iron. Raise the truck off the jack stands, then remove the stands from beneath the truck. Lower the Silverado to the ground. Tighten the wheel lug nuts to 140 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and a wheel nut socket.