Do you need to replace fuel filter?

[Srsmith]

Just recently purchased a 2004 Sierra 2500 6.0 litre Crew cab with 47,000KM in excellant condition. Wanting to stay on top of my regular maintenance to ensure that I get optimum performance.

Horrible on gas...around 12 miles per gallon in town and around 17 on the highway....Accepted it...its a big powerful truck. I find best fuel economy...is conservative driving habits....

However, on previous vehicles I am accustomed to changing my fuel filter on a regular basis. I was told this truck's fuel filter is in the fuel tank...and does not need to be changed. Sounds a little strange to me. It this correct? If so, What keeps it from getting clogged or dirty...other than making sure you use quality fuel? What maintenance if any can you do?

Sam

[Z15]

There is no fuel filter to replace. Its in the tank and not sevicable. Only the 4.3L V6 had a filter. I know this because I had a 2004 GMC.

Yes, the 6.0L is bad on mileage. I had a 04 E. Cab Z71 loaded with every option and it only averaged 17.3 mpg in the 35,000 miles I owned it, low in the high 14's but rarely over 19mph hwy and I am a conservative driver, never once did the gas pedal every hit the floor.

If this is a 4x4, I would recommend you have the rear axle lube changed if it has a locking differential. Be advised you must use a synthetic gear lube 75W-90. If you plan to tow and work the truck, your axle will last a lot longer. I would also have the ATF fluid changed out also. If you want to know more, PM me and I will recommend what to use.

[douglas92000]

Can someone tell me what GM's thinking was in not being able to replace the filter? Generate more parts sales perhaps?

[Srsmith]

Mike,

Thanks for the reply. I purchased this vehicle from a coworker, who happens to be the maintenance manager for the oil company I work for. It was in excellant shape with only 42,000K when I bought it two months ago. I have had the 4x4 serviced by the dealer....front and rear differentials fluid was changed using synthetic. I know the transfer case fluid was also changed out but...not sure with what. At the same time they drained the ATF and replaced the filter and communicated to me...it was not necessary at this time to have the system flushed. You sure see a lot of comments, pros-cons around this subject.

Put an Airaid system in...to help with performance and possibly see an improvement with fuel economy. put a Airaid throttle spacer in also...what a waste of money.....with the vortex system.....as I learned later...not necessary and quite the scam on post 2000 vehicles. No improvement...pain in the ass to remove. Will leave installed...don't see a reason to remove at this time.

I use 10W-50 castrol syn in this vehicle. Not sure why the previous owner went with this in leiu of 10W-30. He was still changing this out at every 4000-5000 miles. Hope I will see a benifit with the synthetic's because it is bloody expensive to change out at the same frequency as regular oil.

First time in 25 years I have bought a domestic vehicle. Hope it will be reliable over the long term. Use it to pull a 4,000 tent trailer. Interesting that you say pulling and working the truck will eliminate issues?

Comfortable truck. Lots of bells and whistles...hope this does not come back to haunt me.

Regards,
Sam

[Z15]

Be advised that 10W-50 in the incorrect viscosity for you engine. The engine was designed with tolerances for a 5W-30 or 0W-30 oil. 10W-30 will also affect your fuel ecomony and thus it is not recommened at all for any GM engine for many years.

Also note, the only source for fluid for an Autotrac transfer case is GM. No other souce. It looks a lot like ATF but in fact it is not and the wrong fluid could have negative impact on the performance.

As to why no fuel filter. They have redesigned the system and improved it. In talking with a GM tech friend, they have not seen any failuires as a result of the new design fuel system.

[Srsmith]

Mike,

Thanks for the input.

At my next oil change i will go back to what the manufacturer recommends. One, question, I would hope this use of 10-50 has not caused a problem? Would say it has been used for about 15,000 miles (3 oil changes). So would it be prudent to think that going to manufacturer's recommendation may also improve my fuel economy?

Transfer case fluid was changed out by a GM dealer. Would think that they in fact did use the correct fluid as you stated?

Regards,
Sam