Are you asking yourself How do I replace the fuel filter on my chevrolet silverado truck? - How to perform a Fuel Filter change on a Chevrolet Silverado Things You ...

How to perform a Fuel Filter change on a Chevrolet Silverado

Changing the fuel filter on a Chevy Silverado is not much different that changing the oil on most Chevy truck models. Follow these how-to instructions to change fuel filter on chevy silverado and browse other articles to learn all about how to change the fuel filter on chevy silverado with our collection of free tutorials and silverado truck discussion.

The fuel filter is normally located along the frame rail of the vehicle. On some trucks it may have been relocated to the engine compartment. On GM trucks the filter is usually located on the inside of the driver's side frame rail about halfway back. When in doubt, trace a fuel line from the engine backwards or from the tank forward in order to locate the filter. Most trucks utilize a spin-on fuel filter located on the frame rail. This filter can be turned counterclockwise after the fuel pressure is relieved.

When to Change the Fuel Filter
A clean fuel filter in your Chevy Silverado truck means clean fuel injectors and a clean fuel pressure regulator. Changing the fuel filter also extends fuel pump life. Replace the fuel filter in your truck every 30,000 to 40,000 miles to keep the fuel system in optimal condition. Follow the instructions provided here to change the fuel filter on a vehicle that does not have a flex fuel system.



Steps

1. Make sure you disconnect the negative battery cable before you begin to prevent any sparks igniting fuel vapors.
2. Loosen the fuel tank cap to relieve the vapor pressure in the fuel tank.
   
3. You need to locoate the fuel pressure regulator. It’s about the size of a walnut and is located on the drivers side fuel rail for the 5.3 liter V8.
   
4. Place the bleed hose of the gauge into a container that will hold the excess fuel. Open the gauge valve to bleed the system pressure. Surround the fuel pressure valve with a shop towel as you connect a pressure gauge to the fuel pressure valve to absorb leaks. Drain any fuel that remains in the gauge into the container. This can also be done by cranking the engine to relieve the pressure in the system.
   
5. Place a jack under a sturdy lifting area of the truck and raise the vehicle.
   
6. Clean the fuel filter connections and the surrounding areas with a shop rag. Disconnect the fuel pipes and the threaded fittings from the fuel filter. You'll need two wrenches working against each other to backout the fittings holding the metal gas line to the filter. I would recommend loosening the gas line clamps before and after the filter to make it easier to get the lines free of the filter.
   
7. Work the fuel filter loose and slide it out of the bracket on the frame rail. The metal lines will bend some, but don't kink them. Cover the fuel pipes with clean rags once they're disconnected to prevent contaminating your fuel system.
   
8. The lines and filter hold a good 4 to 5 ounces of fuel so be prepared when you disconnect it. Have a container ready and take the normal precautions when working around gasoline.
9. Check the fuel pipe O-rings and replace the if you find any cuts, nicks, or distortion. Slide the new filter into the bracket. Make sure your new filter is pointed in the direction of the fuel flow when you install it. Remove the caps you put on the fuel pipes and connect the threaded fittings back to the filter. Tighten the fittings to 18 foot-pounds.
10. Lower the vehicle and tighten the fuel filter cap. Replace the fuel. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition on for 2 seconds. Turn the ignition off for 10 seconds, then turn it back on again. This will restore the pressure to the fuel system. Turn on your Chevy Silverado and check for leaks.

If you found this How-to writeup was beneficial to you, please consider documenting another procedure that you may be able to help others with.

Just a heads up. Since maybe 2004, the fuel filter is inside the fuel module (electric fuel pump). It is not a part you can service separately. You have to change the complete module. Not to worry though. It is a quality, long life filter. Only fuel going to the engine gets filtered. Not all fuel and recirculated fuel as in the past.

Gordon

I've heard ford is making the whole unit including the tank a sealed unit. You will have to replace the system. What stupid idea.

Many vehicles today have a "returnless" system. Let me explain. In previous fuel injection systems, cool fuel from the fuel tank was continuously flowing from the electric pump, through the frame mounted fuel filter to the fuel rail. Fuel that was not consumed by the engine was returned to the fuel tank. As you can imagine, in an hours time a lot of fuel would be flowing through that fuel filter. With the returnless system, there is no fuel returning back to the fuel tank and all fuel that is consumed by the engine is filtered. So with that you have a long life filter and a sealed system. Stupid idea? Well maybe but the fuel system designers were driven there by emission laws.