The best oil for the 6.6L Duramax engine is from the Oil Selection Guide.
Engine oil is exposed to extreme conditions, being used as a lubricant and coolant inside the engine.Exposure to extreme pressure, heat, and contaminants such as exhaust soot and diesel fuel degrades its chemical and mechanical properties, leading to frequent oil changes.The instrument cluster display indicates that engine oil should be replaced every 10,000 miles.More frequent service is required for towing, idling, and severe climate driving.
The 2001 - 2016 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra with 6.6L Duramax diesel has 10,000 miles of oil change intervals, as indicated by the instrument cluster display.
There is no excuse not to use a full synthetic motor oil.Synthetic oils are more resistant to chemical, thermal, and mechanical breakdown than conventional engine oils.Increased protection against coking/breakdown of oil do to heat, shear resulting from extreme pressures created by moving parts, and oil contamination from exhaust soot and fuel dilution translate into greater protection.
We recommend Amsoil's diesel specific engine oils for all Duramax diesels.The Amsoil Signature Series Max-duty diesel oil has up to 4 times greater wear protection than is considered acceptable by current standards.
It is recommended for all vehicles to use an SAE 15W-40 motor oil when operating in ambient temperatures greater than 0 F.
An oil change requires 10 quarts of engine oil and a new oil filter.The drain plug should be changed every few oil changes.This is cheap insurance against oil leaks.
We recommend Amsoil Heavy Duty 15W-40 full synthetic engine oil for all Duramax diesel applications.
If applicable, place a shop rag between the oil pan and skid pan to prevent spillage; engine oil will pool here and run off one of the corners, evading your drain pan.
To remove the drain plug from the oil pan, use a box end wrench or sockets.Don't use an open end wrench to break the drain plug.There are different drain plug head sizes.The original required a 16mm sockets and the GM replacement had a 13mm head.
The drain plug should be replaced after the engine oil has drained from the oil pan.If the seal is compromised, you can either replace the drain plug or install a new one.
If residual oil is around the drain plug, it's a good idea to clean it.
The oil filter is located to the left of the engine on 4 wheel drive trucks.Wrap a piece of sandpaper around the filter's circumference to prevent your hand from slipping if it is stubborn.
Make sure that the oil filter gasket did not stick to the mount and that it was clean with a lint free rag.
Since the oil filter is mounted horizontally, it is impractical to fill it with engine oil prior to installation.If you want, you can "wet" the filter with clean motor oil so it isn't completely dry when installed.
The oil filter needs to be installed tight.Don't use a wrench to tighten the new filter, just install it by hand.If the canister is slick, use a piece of sandpaper wrapped around the circumference to gain traction.