2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD — Oil Capacity & Filter

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD takes either 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) of oil for the 6.6L gas engine or 10.0 quarts (9.5 liters) for the 6.6L Duramax diesel engine, including the filter. As an ASE-certified master technician, I frequently service these heavy-duty workhorses, and knowing the precise fluid capacities and filter specifications is vital to keeping your truck on the road and towing at full capacity.

Below is your comprehensive guide to the oil specifications, change intervals, and service procedures for both engine options of the 2020 Silverado 2500HD.

Quick answer

Here is the quick reference data you need before heading to the parts store:

For the 6.6L V8 Gas Engine:

• Oil Capacity: 8.0 quarts (7.6 L) with filter
• Recommended Weight: 5W-30
• Oil Specification: dexos1 Gen 3 / API SP
• OEM Oil Filter: ACDelco PF63
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram PH10060 / WIX 57045 / Mobil 1 M1-212A

For the 6.6L Duramax V8 Turbo-Diesel:

• Oil Capacity: 10.0 quarts (9.5 L) with filter
• Recommended Weight: 15W-40 (or 5W-40 for extreme cold weather)
• Oil Specification: API CK-4 / dexosD
• OEM Oil Filter: ACDelco PF26
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram PH9100 / WIX 57202 / Mobil 1 M1-303a

Capacity by engine option

The 2020 redesign of the Silverado 2500HD brought a new 6.6L gas engine to replace the old 6.0L, alongside an updated version of the legendary 6.6L Duramax. Here are the capacities for each:

Engine	Oil Capacity (with filter)	Viscosity	Oil Standard
6.6L V8 Gas (L8T)	8.0 Quarts (7.6 L)	5W-30	dexos1 Gen 3
6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel (L5P)	10.0 Quarts (9.5 L)	15W-40 or 5W-40	API CK-4

Note: Always verify the oil level on the dipstick after refilling and running the engine for a few minutes.

Oil change interval

Modern Chevrolet trucks are equipped with an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (OLM) system that calculates oil degradation based on driving conditions. However, here are the baseline mileage recommendations:

• Normal Duty: Replace oil and filter every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty (Frequent towing, idling, or dusty conditions): Replace oil and filter every 5,000 miles or when the OLM dictates, whichever occurs first. For Duramax diesels used primarily for heavy towing or commercial use, sticking to a 5,000-mile interval is cheap insurance for your turbocharger and engine bearings.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Spec: 18 lb-ft (25 Nm) for both gas and diesel oil pan drain plugs.
• Crush Washer Note: The drain plug relies on a rubber O-ring seal integrated into the plug flange. Inspect the O-ring closely. If it is flattened, cracked, or missing, replace the drain plug entirely. Do not over-torque, as stripping the threads on an aluminum oil pan is a costly mistake.

How to change the oil

Servicing the oil on the 2500HD is straightforward, especially given the ample ground clearance of the truck.

1. Prepare the truck: Park on level ground, apply the parking brake, and allow the engine to cool slightly so the oil is warm but not dangerously hot.
2. Drain the oil: Position a large catch pan (minimum 12-quart capacity for diesels) under the oil pan. Remove the drain plug with a 15mm wrench or socket. Allow the oil to drain completely.
3. Remove the oil filter: Move your catch pan under the oil filter. Use a filter wrench to loosen and remove the old filter. Make sure the old rubber gasket comes off with the filter.
4. Install the new filter: Lubricate the rubber gasket of the new oil filter with fresh engine oil. Spin it onto the housing by hand until the gasket makes contact, then tighten it an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn.
5. Reinstall drain plug: Clean the drain plug and inspect the seal. Thread it back in by hand, then torque to 18 lb-ft.
6. Refill and check: Fill the engine with the appropriate amount and type of oil. Start the engine, check for leaks underneath, and shut it off. Wait five minutes, then check the dipstick and top off if necessary. Reset the oil life monitor on the dash.

Common issues / tips

For the 2020 generation, pay special attention to a few quirks:

• Diesel Fuel Dilution: On the L5P Duramax, excessive idling can lead to fuel dilution in the engine oil due to DPF regeneration cycles. If your oil level appears to rise on the dipstick over time, change it immediately and reduce your idle times.
• Gas Engine Filter Access: The 6.6L gas engine’s oil filter is relatively easy to reach, but oil can drip onto the crossmember during removal. Form a piece of aluminum foil over the frame before removing the filter to direct the mess straight into your drain pan.
• Duramax Fuel Filters: Remember that changing the engine oil on the Duramax is an excellent time to check the life of your fuel filters. Neglecting diesel fuel filters can lead to expensive CP4 injection pump failures.

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