Sylvie Willis
The fuel filter on a 2001-2004 6.5L Diesel Engine Duramax (LB7) can be easily changed. The process involves disconnecting the WIF sensor, removing the old filter, and installing a new one. It is important to change the O-rings and prime the new filter with the bleeder screw open until diesel fuel starts to come out. This can be done using a wrench or pliers, being careful not to overtighten the screw. Additionally, removing the inner fender skirt on the passenger side can provide more leverage when installing the new filter. While some people recommend changing the fuel filter every 5-7K miles, others suggest doing it when changing the oil.
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What You'll Learn
Removing the inner fender skirt
To remove the inner fender skirt, you will need to take off the fender well on the passenger side. The fender skirt is held on by a few plastic rivets, which can be carefully removed. Once the skirt is removed, you will have better access to the fuel filter and more room to work.
When removing the fender well, it is also recommended to disconnect the WIF sensor. This can be done using a WIF sensor wrench or a pair of pliers. Be careful not to overtighten the bleeder screw when reinstalling the new filter. Additionally, make sure to change all O-rings and prime the new filter with the bleeder open until diesel comes out.
Some people choose to remove the passenger-side battery instead of the inner fender skirt to access the fuel filter. However, removing the inner fender skirt can provide better leverage and visibility when changing the fuel filter on an 02 LB7.
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Disconnecting the WIF sensor
First, locate the WIF sensor. It is usually found on the passenger side of the vehicle, near the battery. To access it, you may need to remove the fender well or the inner fender skirt. The inner fender skirt is held on by plastic rivets and can be removed to provide better access and more leverage when changing the filter.
Once you have located the WIF sensor, you will need to disconnect the wires. The wires are set into the sensor, but after about 4 inches, there is a plug that is held in place by a clip. To disconnect, simply pull on this clip to release it.
After the wires are disconnected, you can remove the WIF sensor. Be careful not to overtighten any screws or damage the O-rings, as this can cause fuel leaks and affect performance.
When removing the WIF sensor, you may want to use a WIF sensor wrench, although pliers can also work. Once the sensor is removed, you can install the new filter and prime it by opening the bleeder screw until diesel fuel comes out. Remember to change all O-rings and ensure they are properly tightened.
Finally, clean up any spilled fuel and start the engine. It is recommended to check for any fuel leaks and ensure that the engine runs smoothly after the filter change.
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Priming the system
To prime the system, first, take off the inner fender skirt on the passenger side. This will allow you to get more leverage when spinning the new filter on. Once the new filter is on and tight, crack the plastic bleed screw on top of the filter housing. Push down on the primer pump (located next to it) until fuel squirts out. When it does, tighten up the screw and clean up the fuel.
If you have an air dog, there is no priming involved. However, make sure to get the bleeder screw tight.
Many experts say not to prefill the new filter but to prime it until fuel comes out of the bleed screw. If you do prefill the new filter, pour clean diesel into the small holes around the outside of the filter because fuel goes into the filter via the small holes and out of the big center hole.
One user reported that they prefill the filter with fuel before putting it back on and don't need to prime it. They also noted that disconnecting the WFI sensor and moving the AC lines made it easier to remove the filter.
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Using a wrench for the WIF sensor
When changing the fuel filter on an 02 LB7, you will need to disconnect the WIF (Water-In-Fuel) sensor. While you can use a specialised WIF sensor wrench, some people have reported success using a pair of pliers or channel locks.
If you are using a wrench, make sure it is the right size and fits your sensor properly. You can find WIF wrenches at local chains like O'Riley, Advanced, and Vato-Zone, or online at Tool Source or eBay. They cost around $10, but shipping can be expensive, so it might be worth checking your local stores first.
If you don't want to buy a wrench, you can try using a pair of needle-nose pliers. Open them a bit and put them into the bottom of the WIF, like a key. This will prevent the plastic from stripping. You can also try using the handles of a pair of pliers and putting them inside the WIF grip area to unscrew.
However, some people have reported damaging their sensors or creating air leaks by using pliers or channel locks, so it might be worth investing in a proper wrench to avoid any issues. One user reported that they needed to buy a new sensor after trying to use channel locks, which cost them $50.
Additionally, make sure not to overtighten the bleeder screw when reinstalling the new filter.
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Reinstalling the stock filter
To reinstall the stock filter, first, remove the passenger-side battery to access the filter. Then, install the WIF sensor into the new filter, ensuring that all O-rings are correctly placed and not damaged. Wet the O-rings with fuel to help them seat properly.
Next, install the new filter, tightening it by hand or using a filter wrench. Be careful not to overtighten the bleeder screw, and ensure the sensor is not too tight, as this can cause issues.
Once the new filter is installed, prime the system. To do this, open the plastic bleed screw on top of the filter housing. Push down on the primer pump until diesel fuel comes out, then tighten the screw. Continue priming until you cannot push anymore, and then start the engine.
If you encounter issues with the truck not starting, check for leaks and ensure that the O-rings are properly seated. If the truck stalls, continue the priming sequence until the truck idles properly.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to change the fuel filter on your 02 LB7 every 5-7K miles. Waiting longer than this may result in performance issues.
It is recommended to use either the Racor or GM filter as they are better at separating water from the fuel.
You will need a filter wrench, which can be purchased from Sears. You will also need pliers or a WIF sensor wrench.
First, disconnect the WIF sensor and remove the filter. Install the WIF into the new filter, ensuring that all O-rings are changed. Install the new filter and prime with the bleeder open until diesel comes out. Keep priming until you cannot push anymore.
Check for any leaks, especially around the O-rings in the filter head and the two fuel lines. Make sure that you have bled the fuel system of air at the filter by opening the relief valve and pumping the manual valve until fuel comes out.
