2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD — Oil Capacity & Filter

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD takes 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) of oil with the 6.6L gas V8, or 10.0 quarts (9.5 liters) with the 6.6L Duramax diesel, when changing oil and filter.

Quick answer

• Capacity (with filter):
  • 6.6L gas V8 (L8T): 8.0 qt (7.6 L)
  • 6.6L Duramax diesel (L5P): 10.0 qt (9.5 L)
• Recommended viscosity:
  • Gas: 0W-20
  • Diesel: 15W-40 (most climates) or 5W-40 synthetic for cold/severe service
• Oil type/spec:
  • Gas: GM dexos1 (Gen 2 or newer) meeting API SP/ILSAC GF-6
  • Diesel: API CK-4 (do not use FA-4); synthetic CK-4 5W-40 acceptable for cold/severe
• Oil filter (OEM + popular aftermarket):
  • Gas 6.6L L8T: ACDelco PF63E (verify by VIN); Fram Ultra XG10060; Wix 57060; Mobil 1 M1-212A. Always confirm fitment by VIN.
  • Diesel 6.6L L5P: ACDelco PF2262G (verify by VIN); Fram Ultra XG9100; Wix 57202; Mobil 1 M1-303A. Always confirm fitment by VIN.

Capacity by engine option

Note: Filter part numbers can change by production date and options. If unsure, consult a Chevrolet dealer with your VIN.

Oil change interval

• Normal service
  • Gas (L8T): Follow the Oil Life Monitoring (OLM) system; typically up to 7,500 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, when using dexos1-approved oil.
  • Diesel (L5P): Follow OLM; commonly up to 7,500 miles or 1 year under light-duty operation with API CK-4 oil.
• Severe service (frequent towing/hauling, extensive idling, dusty/off-road, short trips, extreme temps)
  • Gas and Diesel: 5,000-mile/6-month intervals are a safe rule of thumb, or sooner as indicated by the OLM. Diesel engines that idle a lot or see frequent regens may require shorter intervals.

Drain plug torque

• 6.6L Gas V8 (L8T): 18 lb-ft (25 N·m)
• 6.6L Duramax (L5P): 31 lb-ft (42 N·m)

Most plugs use a reusable sealing washer. Inspect and replace the gasket/washer if damaged or if seepage has been noted; use an OE-equivalent washer.

How to change the oil

1. Warm the engine briefly, then shut off and chock wheels. Raise and support the front safely if needed.
2. Remove the lower shield/skid plate fasteners if equipped to access the drain plug and filter.
3. Place a large drain pan (the diesel’s sump is 10 qt) and remove the drain plug. Allow several minutes to fully drain.
4. Remove the oil filter. For the L5P diesel’s large filter, use an appropriately sized filter wrench.
5. Lightly oil the new filter’s gasket. Install and hand-tighten 3/4 turn after gasket contact (or to the filter maker’s spec).
6. Reinstall the drain plug with a good washer and torque to spec (see above).
7. Fill the crankcase with the listed capacity: 8.0 qt (gas) or 10.0 qt (diesel). Start the engine, check for leaks, then shut down and wait a few minutes.
8. Verify the level on the dipstick and top off to the full mark. Reinstall any shields and reset the OLM via the dash menu.

Common issues / tips for this generation (2020–2024 HD)

• Verify the correct filter: GM changed filter families across model years. The gas L8T commonly uses PF63E, while the L5P diesel uses PF2262G. Always confirm by VIN, especially if you see an unusually short or tall filter compared with what came off.
• Don’t overfill: The tall oil pans can hold residual oil in baffles/coolers; after the initial fill, recheck after a few minutes and add only to the full mark.
• Diesel cold-weather operation: In sustained sub-freezing temps, a 5W-40 synthetic CK-4 helps cranking and reduces wear. In hot/towing service, 15W-40 CK-4 performs well.
• Severe duty and idling: Extended idling, PTO use, or frequent DPF regens can dilute diesel oil with fuel. Shorten intervals and monitor the OLM.
• Skid plates and dual rear wheel (DRW) packaging: Some trims have additional splash shields—plan extra time to remove/reinstall fasteners without stripping them.
• Watch for seepage at the drain plug or filter base after the first trip; recheck torque and gasket condition if any drips are seen.

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