I’ve googled this question and I’m getting mixed results. I have a 04 Silverado with the V6 (4.3L?) engine. It’s got over 90k miles on it so I decided to replace the fuel filter. I bought one at (big autoparts store - can’t remember which one) and it looks like a perfectly cromulent filter. Nothing out of the ordinary whatsoever. However, I cannot for the life of me figure out where it goes. Google results tell me that starting in 04, Chevy started making them internal to the gas tank but some cites say that that’s only for the V8 engines.
Can someone tell me exactly where to look or is actually in the tank? I would have thought that an “in the tank” filter would look much different than the one I bought.
My info states that it has an external in-line filter (that’s the one you got) along the left-hand frame rail. The illustration shows it tucked into the rail’s recess where it can only be seen from the centerline of the vehicle, not from the outside or even directly underneath. Find a bunch of pipes (brake and fuel lines) coming from the engine compartment and follow them towards the rear of the truck. Somewhere in the fuel delivery line you’ll find the filter.
ETA: If you carefully follow the fuel lines and there simply isn’t an external filter, then return the one you bought. That means the only filter is in the tank, which probably means replacement is a big job and is not meant to be done as maintenance.
We have an '02 and an '03, both Silverados and both 5.3 V8s. They both have normal replaceable filters inside the left frame rail, as above. My son-in-law, however, has an '05 4.3 Silverado and he swears there’s no replaceable filter.
Thanks Gary T, I’ll keep looking. Would an “in-the-tank” filter look different than an in-line? I’m just wondering that since I can find it online by searching, and the store had one, does that mean that there’s a really good chance that it’s not in the tank? I certainly hope so.
BTW, I’d never consider changing one in the tank. That’s way over my paygrade.
The in-tank filter is quite different from the in-line filter. If parts sources show an in-line filter, that normally means there is one on the vehicle. However, it doesn’t prove that’s the case, as once in a great while there’s an error in the parts listing.
It’s also conceivable the situation differs with various models. Not knowing what you had, I looked up a 1500 2WD. If it’s a 2500 or 3500, 4WD, or SS-AWD, I can see if I get different results.
If they moved the filter to the fuel tank on the 05 model, depending on when your 04 was built it may have already applied the change. Doing a quick search, I’m seeing people with 04 Silverados with serviceable filters and those with the filter in the tank.
Thanks to all who replied. After a more thorough looksee, I found it right where GaryT said. (surprise surprise) You can’t see it from directly underneath like I originally tried, you have to get far under the truck and look back towards the frame. Now comes the fun part.
GM has used several different disconnects on their fuel filters. Examining the new filter and bits that came with it may help. Some you have to slide a collar into it and release it. Some have a green or purple plastic hair pin thing you unlatch and pull out.