2001 Duramax Fuel Filter

[KB9UDE]

Hey Guys,

I want to change the diesel fuel filter in my Duramax. I have no idea when it was changed last as I just bought this truck a few months back. Should I go to the GM dealer to purchase a filter or is there an aftermarket product I should use?? I have access to autozone and napa in the area.
Also I will be purchasing a second filter to carry in the truck...

Thanks

 

[Diamondpilot]

If your 01 is anything like the 05 I had and my neighbors 07 we get them at any auto parts store. They run about $30 to $40. Having a 1/4" piece of fuel line 4' long and a filter wrench that has a handle that swivels out of the way is necessary. You will also need a screwdriver to remove the vent plug at the top and a large crescent wrench or similar to remove the float out of the bottom of the filter element. Another thing you will want is some motor oil to lube the 2 o-rings before installation.

Keep all this in your truck or its worthless to carry just a filter. I never had a issue with my 05 but my neighbor has had 2 gell up on him with his 07.

Chris

 

[George2615]

I bought mine at Advance Auto but I'm sure NAPA has fuel filters as well. Don't forget to unplug the sensor on the bottom before changing the filter.

 

[KB9UDE]

Thanks Chris

I knew you would have an answer for me!! :thumbsup:

Any other tips for this truck would be appreciated also...

 

[johns_dmax]

Check this site out, Diesel Place - Duramax Diesel Discussion Forums.
Lots of good reading.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Thanks Chris

I knew you would have an answer for me!! :thumbsup:

Any other tips for this truck would be appreciated also...

Get a Ford...:laughing::laughing::laughing:

Just kidding. Hope you have better luck with it than I did. They seem to be hit or miss. Same with Ford and Dodge also. You either have good luck and service or they are a pain in the butt. Mine must have been just a bad one and my neighbor had lots of issues with his for the first 40,000 miles but the last 26,000 miles it has been good. His brothers 06 has been good other than leaking axle seals and my friends dad has had 2 with zero issues.

Chris

 

[King27]

Until recently Racor made all Duramax filters and branded them out to the different retailers. Their original patent apparently has expired.

I recently picked up a NAPA filter and after looking it over, I returned it. It has a plastic housing and is now made by WIX. I have used the NAPA filters in the past but this is a completely different animal.

After researching the duramax filters again, I found out that the new "improved" filter speced by GM is a Racor produced filter with an expected 50% longer life and better water separation. You can find them on ebay for about the same price as the earlier filters or the new WIX.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You are correct about the Napa Wix filters. I am not impressed. We actually went back to Fram for the fuel filters after seeing what we saw with the Napa filters.

Chris

 

[tractorboy5500]

I always thought Wix's was the best filters, guess next time i will look at them better. thanks for the tips.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I always thought Wix's was the best filters, guess next time i will look at them better. thanks for the tips.

We did not have a Wix dealer around her until a few years ago. We have had Napa for years that sells the same filter under the Napa name. I bought a few Wix and actually cut them open when done and was not all that impressed. They were no better in my eyes as the filters that cost 1/2 the amount.

Our big filter brands around here are Fram, Quaker State, Pennzoil, and Purolator. I have used tons of each and never had any issues with any. I just bought 144 Fram and Pennzoil filters from my dealer for $1.50 to $1.75 each when buying in bulk. I can also get Fram air filters for around $4 each. I only got 12 of them for the different applications that do not have a K&N filter in it.

Chris

Chris.