Gm's In-tank fuel filter

Moot · May 9, 2006

Has anyone had problems with the fuel filter on the newer GM 6.0 engines? The fuel filter is in the tank. There is no scheduled maintenance. Do you just run it till it fails. Has anyone replaced a fuel pump on a 6.0?

My 1998 5.8 had an in-line fuel filter that I replaced every 30,000 miles. I put 185,000 miles on the original fuel pump. I know guys that were replacing pumps every 80,000 or so miles. One guy cut a hole in his floor so he could replace the pump himself without dropping the tank.

I'm curious as what the life expectancy is on these pumps. Especially since it's not practical to change the filter.

unorthodoxneon · May 9, 2006

I've heard of people cutting holes in there to be able to get to the fuel filter. I've heard of people getting quite a few miles on fuel pumps before having to replace. One thing to keep the fuel pump lasting longer is not let the vehicle get under 1/4 tank this keeps the fuel around fuel pump to keep it cool.

The fuel filters should last as long as if not longer then the fuel pump. I've heard that fuel filters are suppose to never go bad according to some companies.

Marty · May 11, 2006

I have 273,000 miles on mine and have never changed the fuel pump or filter.

Moot · May 17, 2006

Marty, what year is your van? I assume it has an in-tank fuel filter.

Marty · May 18, 2006

2003 with the 6.0 liter gas engine. Yes it has the in tank fuel filter.

greg334 · May 18, 2006

Ahhh, I need to read the post when I am awake.

The filter in the tank should only be changed if there is a lot of c**p in the tank and it is clogged. The fuel pump on the other hand is a pain, which you already know about - I don't have to deal with on a diesel.

the inline filter should be changed as regular PM. that is normally along the inside frame rail.

Moot · May 18, 2006

The problem is that the 6.0 has no in-line filter. The only fuel filter is in the tank. I guess when the filter gets plugged, the pump will be toast and both can be replaced at the same time. Thank you GM! I always hated spending $10.00 every 30,000 mile replacing that pesky in-line filter. Now I can get Mr. Goodwrench to change it for me. Right after Mr. Goodwrecker tows it in.

greg334 · May 18, 2006

>The problem is that the 6.0 has no in-line filter. The only
>fuel filter is in the tank. I guess when the filter gets
>plugged, the pump will be toast and both can be replaced at
>the same time. Thank you GM! I always hated spending
>$10.00 every 30,000 mile replacing that pesky in-line
>filter. Now I can get Mr. Goodwrench to change it for me.
>Right after Mr. Goodwrecker tows it in.

I believe you but I am puzzled why there is a part number for the inline filter and all the stuff i can find on the 6.0 in a van references the filter being the standard inline filter on the frame rail.

Oh well.

Marty · May 20, 2006

A year and a half ago I brought my 2004 Cevy van to 3 different mechanics to get the fuel filter changed. They all looked up the part number but then couldn't find the filter on the vehicle. Then I brought my van to a Chevy dealer. There they told me that the filter was in the tank and required no periodic maintenance. They had no clue why there was a part number listed for an external in-line fuel filter. GM must have hired a fiction writer to write their parts manual.

Moot · May 20, 2006

The first time my 2004 was due for a fuel filter change I went to NAPA. Looked up my vehicle in the filter book. Same filter as my 1998. I crawled around under my van, felt along both frame rails, top and bottom, traced the fuel line, NOTHING, no filter. A few weeks later someone suggested that maybe it got moved to the engine compartment. I pulled the doghouse, looked around, nothing. When I took the van in for a tune-up my mechanic confirmed that the filter was in the tank. fHe checked with a GM dealer.

I am curious as to the life expectancy of the filter/pump. Does anyone have over 200,000 miles on 6.0 with an in-tank filter?

highway star · May 20, 2006

A FILTER that never has to be cleaned or changed? Does that sound just wrong to anyone else?

greg334 · May 20, 2006

you know that the first printings of the repair manual for 2003 and 2004 both have the filter on the frame rail. I don't have access to a copy of the second printings to see if there are corrections if they even exist.

I am wondering about this, if the filter is in front of the pump. If it is a post pump filter - here is what I would do; I would pull the filter out of the tank (if this is possible)and put on inline on the frame rail. a filter is a filter! I don't think the fuel really cares and the engine will not care.

Moot · May 20, 2006

I'm guessing that the filter is part of the pump. My wife has a Jeep with an in-tank filter. I think in-tank filters are becoming more common.

I could tell if someone hadn't change their filter in a long time. I could hear it working over the idling engine. A loud buzzing whine.

Marty · May 20, 2006

Hi Moot.
I have 276,000 miles on mine and so far no problems. On my old 1998 GMC Savana I replaced the fuel pump every 100,000 to 160,000 miles. I guess the in-tank fuel filter newer version is better.