FUEL FILTER WOES
I have trouble every time I change the fuel filter on my 2004 Chevy. In addition, I had trouble with the fuel system years ago (when the truck was still under warranty) in that it chafed a hole in the fuel line beneath the cab. I am going to replace the air bleed valve on top of the fuel filter as a first attempt to repair. It appears air is finding its way into the fuel filter.
Now, there is a new—and possibly related— problem: The engine will die soon after I start the it, and it will “chug” and blow white smoke when I attempt to rev the engine.
This white smoke only appears while the truck is struggling to stay running while on the road. The engine does not have a problem idling for any length of time and doesn’t smoke while idling.
Thanks for any suggestions you might have. Sorry, but I haven’t checked yet for trouble codes. However, the “service engine soon” lamp is on, and the truck has 190,000 miles on the odometer.
Bobby Perrault Via e-mail
Bobby,
I’d have the codes read as a first step. There could be several causes for the symptoms you’re reporting and knowing what the codes are would help narrow the possibilities down considerably— and potentially save you a ton of money.
The folks at U.S. Diesel Parts (www.usdieselparts. com) are rebuilding the Duramax fuel filter mounts and fuel priming system using upgraded parts, so you could send your filter mount to them for the rebuild. It doesn’t cost a lot. Or, have them send you the new parts if you or someone near you can do the work. I had them rebuild the fuel filter assembly in my truck during a recent fuel injector replacement.
So, solve the fuel filter air leak problem as a next step. You’ve got to make sure that air isn’t migrating into the fuel system. To help you find the source of a leak, you can pressurize the fuel tank using 5 to no more than 10 psi using a regulated air compressor and by wrapping an oily rag around the air hose that’s stuffed into the fuel tank filler neck. Any leak site in a fuel line or fuel filter mount will be evident. Good luck.