Duramax fuel filter tools

There's plenty of write-ups on the Dmax fuel filter. This one was particularly helpful to me first time I did it on an '08 GMC:
http://www.dieselbombers.com/chevro...es/11766-duramax-fuel-filter-replacement.html

Seems to me on the newer body styles ('07/08+) getting at it from the top is near impossible, so I opted to remove the inner fender.

First time I just used screwdrivers, pliers and Channelocks, and it's entirely fine to do so.

Recently I ordered some of the specialty tools that I didn't already have. I didn't think they'd make that big a difference, but it doesn't matter 'cause I'm a tool junkie. I ordered the three pc body clip set by KD:
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-14995-k-d-tools-41850.aspx

I found these way more helpful than imagined. I didn't think I'd use the flat blade ones which "pry" open, but quickly realized they are for removing "Xmas tree fasteners," of which there are two on this job. Wow, fastest Xmas tree removal I've ever done with minimal cursing.

I also got the Lisle WIF wrench (hell it's only like $6). I was impressed w just how well it fit the WIF sensor and it did make the job a little easier....or maybe I was just happy to use my new tools.

For a related rant, I just don't understand what GM engineers are smoking. The inner fender is held on by no less than four different fasteners: two Xmas trees, a handful of push pin body clips, another handful of screws which take a 7mm socket and ONE bolt that takes a 10mm socket. Seriously, there's just no need for that. That could easily be reduced to two different fasteners, if not one.

The newer models could have been better designed but you can get the filter out from the bottom without removing the inner fender liner, not as easy but can be done quickly, I am always having to show the lube guys at the shop how to change them,

there are aftermarket companies that are making doors that you put into the liner that gives you better access to the filter without having to remove the liner, all you have to do is cut a hole in the liner and rivet the door panel in place, I have installed many and its very painless, the name of the company is sliping my mind at the moment

Those water sensor sockets are nice and a must have, I have seen too many guys that thought they knew what they were doing use pliers and over thighten the sensor and either round the base so bad the socket doesnt fit or make it so tight that the socket slips, or they overtighten it and break the sensor which runs around $45.00

I used a zip disc and cut a slit to get my hand thru. Was planning on putting a flap of sorts over it but the slit is so fine it seems to make no difference.

http://www.merchant-automotive.com/ these guys make a bunch of stuff DMAX/ally specific including a milled-from-billet-AL WIF sensor wrench, all the filters, etc. also i believe he sells a metal bleeder screw to replace the POS plastic stock one.

if you cut out part of the fender liner, why would you need to buy a replacement piece to rivet in? couldn't you just rivet back the piece you cut? add a little velcro tab to the backside, and you'd be done.

i admit, i pull the liner out of the way to do mine. not sure how you could do it with the liner in place per d9h - from the top you mean? its in a mediocre-at-best location, but WAAAAY better than my 7.3PSD van (cartridge, middle/top of the engine).

my bigger annoyance is all the fuel wasted when you change the filter - must be at least 16oz in there.

ahm

Drop the inner fenderwells

Are the WIF sensors particularly high for failure on the D-Max?

No , even if you use channel locks TO CHANGE them

its not that they fail, its that they have to be 'transplanted' to each new fuel filter and are made of plastic. because their fairly big, people use water pump pliers, vise grips, etc on them and destroy them.

ahm

I can't believe you have to take the truck apart to change the filter. On my truck all I need is a 24mm for the top filter and a 36mm for the lower filter. Also there is a 6mm hex to drain the housing but, the whole process takes only 10 minutes.

I change my Duramax fuel filter from the top every time I do it. Easy and simple. Takes me about 10 minutes tops. Only thing I had to do for the first change was tweak one pipe out of the way about 1/2" or so. Nothing to it.