How to Change the Oil on a 2008 Chevy Duramax Diesel

Changing the oil on a Duramax Diesel is the same as replacing the oil in any car or truck. The only difference is the amount of oil used. The Duramax uses up to 10 quarts of oil. Replacement of the engine oil will prolong the life of the engine. When changing out the oil, always change out the filter to ensure no contaminated or dirty oil is circulating through the engine.

Park the truck on a flat and level surface. Pull the keys out of the ignition to prevent someone else from starting the truck by accident.

Slide a drain pan under the engine to catch the oil. The drain pan is located at the bottom of the engine. The Duramax diesel holds up to 10 quarts so the pan needs to be big enough to catch that much oil.

Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the engine. Unscrew the drain plug with a crescent wrench. Allow all the oil to drain out. Screw the drain plug back into the pan and tighten with a socket wrench. Do not over-tighten the plug as it may damage the threads on the pan.

Unscrew the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. Place the old filter with the waste oil.

Pour a quart of engine oil in to the new filter. Dab some oil on your finger and rub it on the black gasket. This will lubricate the gasket and make removal during the next oil change interval easier. Screw the new oil filter to the housing by hand. Do not wrench-tighten as this will strip the threads on the filter.

Open the hood for access to the engine compartment. Unscrew the oil filler cap located on the valve covers. Pour in nine quarts of oil in to the engine.

Pull the engine oil dipstick to check the oil level. Where the oil stops on the dipstick will designate the oil level. Pour in oil at half-quart intervals if the level does not read "full." Check the level each time oil is added.

Start the truck and allow it to idle for five minutes. Check the oil level after turning the truck off and allowing it to sit for five additional minutes.