Pre 2004.5 fuel filter housing replacement options

[sirluke]

Ok, so my 2002 duramax runs great untill I shut the truck off and try to start it again. The fuel filter plunger will not hold pressure. So it takes a series of pumping and starting, and running it up and down the street to get the truck to stay running. But even when continuously running, the plunger still doesnt feel like there is any pressure there like it did when new.

Well here is the question: As most of you know the 2001-2004.5 fuel filter housing is $600+. Everyone seems to doing the rebuild o-ring kit for $20-30 bucks on these to fix the problem. What if the housing is cracked?

CAN I use the 2004.5-2011 fuel filter housing assembly? It is only $157 at dealer, even cheaper online. You get new WIC, New filter, and new head. Seems like a better idea then rebuild o-rings on older version. The problem is the newer filter head housing fuel lines are indexed at a slight different angle. So I would need to extend rubber fuel lines and I think it should work.

Has anyone used a new 2004.5+ filter housing (part number 12642623) on a pre 2004.5 duramax (part number 97780061)? How did it work for you?

 

[JoshH]

FYI, unless you have a lift pump, the plunger shouldn't stay firm after the truck is running. The filter head is pretty easy to take apart. If you're having problems, just pull it apart, clean it, and check for cracks. I'm betting it's an o-ring or WIF sensor problem.

 

[sirluke]

Thx JoshH, took the assembly off... the WIF is corroded, wires pulled off from last "mechanic" that worked on it. Needs a new filter and o-rings look shot.

So again, its seem alot cheaper to use new 2004.5+ part instead of rebuilding or new $600 pre 2004.5 part number. Has anyone done this?

 

[Chevy1925]

Cant help you on changing the heads out but i have a known good 02 filter housing ill sell ya if yours is cracked

 

[dmax lb7]

I had the same problem as you. Bought a used filter head off of an 06 but it did not work, ficm was in the way. Did the o ring rebuild and all is good now.

 

[sirluke]

Ok, dmax lb7 you are the guy I want to talk to. Are you saying one of the brass fuel tubes on the newer verson "hit" something and it will not work? I was thinking all I needed was longer rubber fuel lines.

 

[dmax lb7]

One of the tubes was pointing at the ficm. I probably could have made it work, but it would have a kink in the line causing a restriction. Looked the head over, did not see any cracks so I ordered the o ring kit from merchant. It works perfect now. Pretty easy fix for 30 bucks or something like that.

 

[sirluke]

excellent... thank you dmax lb7! I'll do the kit as well.

 

[chevyburnout1]

I had a friend that needed one for his LB7. Told him the stupid price difference between the set and mentioned that he try the LLY housing. He used it however the rubber fuel lines didn't reach too well. Ended up bending the copper lines on the filter housing a bit to make them reach. Would work perfect if you extended the rubber lines.