2018 GMC/Chevy Duramax L5P Diesel Oil Change How-To

Summary

In this tutorial, learn how to change the oil and filter on a 2018 GMC Sierra with a 6.6 Duramax Diesel engine. The video covers essential steps including draining the oil, removing the oil filter, and properly installing the new filter. It also discusses the right oil types (15W40 vs. 5W40) based on weather conditions and shows how to reset the oil life indicator. The guide emphasizes the importance of using the right tools and keeping the workspace clean to avoid messes. By following these simple steps, you can save money and perform the oil change yourself.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start by popping the hood and removing the oil fill cap from the driver's side firewall.
• 😀 Crawl underneath the truck and place a drain pan to collect the oil, ensuring it can hold at least 10 quarts.
• 😀 The drain plug requires a 15mm wrench. Be cautious as oil may drip onto the cross member and skid plate.
• 😀 Use a rag under the drain plug area to prevent oil from spilling onto the skid plate during drainage.
• 😀 For the oil filter, use a piece of cardboard to funnel excess oil into the drain pan and avoid a mess.
• 😀 Lubricate the new oil filter's o-ring with fresh motor oil before installing it, and tighten it hand-tight.
• 😀 Once the oil filter is replaced, reinstall the drain plug, tightening it snugly without over-tightening.
• 😀 Fill the engine with 10 quarts of 15W40 semi-synthetic motor oil, as specified by the vehicle's manual.
• 😀 After filling, start the engine to check oil pressure, making sure it rises as expected and no leaks are present.
• 😀 Reset the oil life indicator by accessing the engine oil life menu on the vehicle’s dashboard and holding the checkmark button.
• 😀 Check the oil level using the dipstick after waiting for a few minutes to ensure the correct oil level is reached.

Q & A

Why is it important to ensure the oil is warm before draining it?

Warmed oil flows more easily, making it easier to drain out of the engine, ensuring a more thorough oil change.

What is the purpose of using a rag under the drain pan?

The rag helps catch any oil that might drip onto the cross member and skid plate, preventing a mess on the driveway or undercarriage.

How do you prevent oil from spilling when removing the oil filter?

A piece of cardboard can be bent and placed underneath the oil filter to funnel the oil into the drain pan, preventing it from spilling onto the frame.

What type of oil filter is recommended for the 2018 GMC Sierra with a 6.6 Duramax Diesel?

The recommended oil filter for this truck is the original AC Delco PF2232.

Why is it important to lubricate the oil filter’s O-ring before installing it?

Lubricating the O-ring ensures a proper seal when the oil filter is installed, preventing leaks.

How tight should you screw in the new oil filter?

The oil filter should be screwed on hand-tight to avoid over-tightening, which could damage the filter or the engine.

What oil weight is recommended for the 2018 GMC Sierra’s 6.6 Duramax Diesel engine?

The recommended oil weight is 15W40, although 5W40 can be used in colder climates with temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit.

How much oil does the 6.6 Duramax Diesel engine require for a full oil change?

The 6.6 Duramax Diesel engine requires exactly 10 quarts of oil for a full oil change.

How can you save money by performing the oil change yourself?

Performing the oil change yourself can save a significant amount, as dealership prices are around $100 or more, while doing it yourself costs only about $45.

What should you do after filling the engine with oil to ensure everything is functioning correctly?

After filling the oil, you should start the engine, check the oil pressure gauge to ensure it rises, and inspect underneath the vehicle for any oil leaks.