2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Oil Capacity & Filter Specs

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD takes either 8.0 quarts of oil for the 6.6L V8 gas engine or 10.0 quarts for the 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel engine, including a new oil filter.

As an ASE-certified master technician, I perform regular fleet maintenance on these heavy-duty workhorses. Whether you are towing heavy loads across the country or driving from job site to job site, keeping up with oil changes is the single most important thing you can do to protect your powertrain. Below, you will find all the exact fluid specifications, filter part numbers, and procedures for the 2020 Silverado 3500HD.

Quick answer

Here is the baseline information for the most popular engine equipped in this truck, the 6.6L Duramax Diesel (L5P):

• Oil Capacity: 10.0 quarts (9.5 Liters) with filter
• Recommended Weight: 15W-40 (5W-40 is recommended for extreme cold weather below 0°F)
• Oil Specification: API CK-4
• OEM Oil Filter: AC Delco PF2232
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram PH9100, Wix 57202, Mobil 1 M1-303A

(Note: See the engine table below if you have the 6.6L Gas V8).

Capacity by engine option

The 2020 Silverado 3500HD was offered with two distinct powertrains. Always verify which engine you have before buying supplies.

Oil change interval

Heavy-duty trucks are rarely driven lightly, so adhering to the correct service schedule is critical. The 2020 Silverado 3500HD is equipped with GM's Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system, but as a rule of thumb:

• Normal Duty: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Severe duty includes frequent towing, hauling heavy payloads, extensive idling, or driving in extremely dusty environments.

Drain plug torque

• Torque specification: 18 lb-ft (25 Nm) for both the 6.6L Gas and 6.6L Duramax diesel engines.
• Crush washer note: The factory drain plug features a rubber gasket integrated into the flange. If this gasket is torn, flattened, or leaking, replace the entire drain plug. Do not add an aftermarket crush washer over the factory rubber seal.

How to change the oil

1. Warm the engine: Run the truck for a few minutes to get the oil warm (but not scalding hot) so it drains quickly and carries suspended contaminants out with it.
2. Lift and secure: Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and use heavy-duty wheel chocks. Given the ride height of a 3500HD, you likely won't need ramps, but if you do, ensure they are rated for the truck's immense weight.
3. Drain the oil: Position a large catch pan (at least 12 quarts for the diesel) under the oil pan. Remove the 15mm drain plug.
4. Replace the filter: While the oil drains, move to the oil filter. Use a filter wrench to loosen it, being careful of spilling hot oil. Wipe the engine mounting surface clean.
5. Install the new filter: Lubricate the rubber gasket of the new filter with fresh oil. Spin it on until the gasket makes contact, then hand-tighten an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn.
6. Reinstall drain plug: Thread the drain plug back in by hand to avoid cross-threading, then torque to 18 lb-ft.
7. Refill and verify: Pour the specified amount of fresh oil into the filler neck. Start the engine, check for leaks underneath, and shut it off. Wait 5 minutes, then pull the dipstick to ensure the oil level is at the "FULL" mark.
8. Reset the oil life monitor: Use your steering wheel controls to navigate to the "Info" page on your dash, find "Oil Life," and press and hold the scroll wheel to reset it to 100%.

Common issues / tips

• Accessing the filter: The Duramax oil filter is easily accessible from underneath the truck on the passenger side, but it can make a mess when unscrewed. A popular trick among mechanics is to use a large Ziploc bag placed over the filter as you unscrew it to catch the oil.
• Diesel fuel dilution: On the Duramax, frequent regeneration cycles (DPF cleaning) can cause slight fuel dilution in the oil. This is why adhering to the severe duty interval is highly recommended if your truck idles often or drives at low speeds.
• Gas engine oil consumption: The 6.6L L8T gas engine is generally very robust, but some heavy haulers note mild oil consumption under continuous heavy load. Check your dipstick every 1,000 miles when towing across the country.

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