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The Daily Insight

What oil does a LLY Duramax take?

Author

James Olson

Updated on May 04, 2026

We highly recommend Amsoil Heavy Duty 15W-40 full synthetic engine oil for all Duramax diesel applications, or Amsoil Heavy Duty 5W-40 full synthetic engine oil for cold weather operation. Place a suitable container (minimum 10 quarts capacity) beneath the engine oil pan.

Keeping this in view, what is the best oil for a Duramax?

6 Best Diesel Oil For Duramax Reviews

  1. Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic Heavy Duty Engine Oil.
  2. Liqui Moly 2041 Premium Synthetic Motor Oil.
  3. Mobil 1 96989 Synthetic Motor Oil.
  4. Mobil Super 96819 Delvac 1300 Motor Oil.
  5. Royal Purple 04154 Motor Oil.
  6. Amsoil Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil.

Similarly, what kind of oil does a 2005 Duramax take? 6.6L Duramax Fluid Specifications & Capacities

Engine oil 15W-40
5W-40
10W-30
Engine coolant 50/50 DEX-COOL 12346290 engine coolant , distilled water
Automatic transmission fluid 2001 - 2005 (5 spd)

Similarly, how much oil does a LLY Duramax take?

6.6L Duramax LLY Specs

Engine: 6.6L Duramax LLY, 90 degree V8 diesel
Valvetrain: OHV (overhead valve), 4 valves per cylinder
Oil Capacity: 10 quarts w/ filter
Engine Weight: Approx. 835 lbs
Idle Speed: ~ 680 rpm

Can I use 5w40 in my Duramax?

Either one is fine. I have one diesel that I run 15W40 in, and one I use 5W40 in.

Related Question Answers

Should I run synthetic oil in my Duramax?

Should I run synthetic oil in my Duramax? Duramax Engine Oil Selection There is no reason nor excuse not to use a full synthetic motor oil. We highly recommend Amsoil's line of full synthetic, diesel specific engine oils for all Duramax diesels.

How often should I change oil in my Duramax?

To keep your Warranty from voiding, you will need to follow your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations, change your vehicle's oil before 7500 miles, or at least once a year, whichever occurs first. My manufacturer recommends changing the oil between 5,000-7,000 miles.

How much is an oil change for a 6.6 Duramax?

Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week. Upfront and transparent pricing.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Oil Change costs $107 on average.

Car 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HDV8-6.6L Turbo Diesel
Service Service typeOil Change
Estimate Estimate$157.82
Shop/Dealer Price Shop/Dealer Price$191.48 - $269.65

What type of oil does GM use?

ACDelco GM OE dexos1 Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil is dexos1 approved. Recommended for use in cars and light trucks with gasoline and gasoline turbocharged engines where API SN and all prior specifications are required.

What is Rotella for Duramax?

When it comes to heavy-duty oils and your Duramax engine, it is hard to beat the good quality of this Shell Rotella® T6 5W-40 oil and is perfect for all those long hauls and heavy driving conditions.

How much does it cost to delete LML Duramax?

For a full delete, you will need exhaust ($400) tuning ($690) PCV reroute ($50) and Blocker Plate ($12) or new Y bridge and cold side ($700 or so). As mentioned a lift pump is a very good idea on these trucks especially the LML ($600).

What is the difference between Rotella t4 and t6?

T4 is a blended oil. T6 is a full synthetic.

What is the best diesel oil?

  • Mag 1 Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil. MAG 1® Full Synthetic 5W-30 is one of the purest and most advanced motor oil products currently available.
  • Mobil Super 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil.
  • Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil.
  • Castrol EDGE Extended Performance 5W-30.
  • Valvoline SynPower 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil.

How many miles will a LLY Duramax last?

Most reputable organizations, such as the Association of Diesel Specialists, would agree that the 6.6l Duramax is one of the most reliable diesel motors available today. Provided proper maintenance, it can easily hit the 350,000 mile mark, with some users claiming 400-500,000 miles is the norm.

How much horsepower can a stock LLY Duramax handle?

500rwhp

What year is best Duramax?

2006-2007 2500 & 3500

Perhaps the most desired of all Duramax models are the '06-'07 Classic body style trucks.

Is the LLY Duramax a good engine?

Similar to the LB7, the LLY Duramax is reliable, powerful, and lacks most of the emissions found on modern day diesel trucks like the L5P. LLY Duramax trucks don't suffer from the same injector failure problems that LB7 trucks frequently had. Instead, many LLY Duramax problems stem from overheating.

Does the LLY Duramax have Injector Problems?

While previous injector issues were laid to rest with the LLY, the common-rail injection system still had a few minor quirks, along with the injection system still being void of a factory lift pump. But even though it tends to be viewed as the least desirable in the Duramax lineage, the LLY was a very solid engine.

Is the lb7 or LLY better?

The LB7 was the simplest in terms of emissions controls, while the LLY came with the largest turbocharger ever offered. The LBZ packed a host of improvements, including considerably more power, and the LMM was nearly a mirror image of it aside from its use of a diesel particulate filter.

What does LLY mean for Duramax?

LLY doesnt stand for anything specific, its just the RPO (regular production order) code that means "Duramax diesel engine".

How often should you change fuel filter on Duramax?

Change your LLY's engine oil and filter at least once every 6 months and your fuel filters once a year. Keep an eye on your air filter and change it as needed.

Why does a Duramax have 2 thermostats?

Their purpose is more for aerodynamics than engine cooling. The dual thermostat system was designed to accomplish the same temperature control under different load conditions. It may be necessary to block the air side of the radiator to allow the liquid temperature to get high enough to evoke full coolant flow.

How often should you change filter on Allison Transmission?

Beginning with s/n 6510670912 and s/n 6610205144, transmissions equipped with allison high Capacity Filters do not require an initial main Filter change at 5000 miles/8000 km/200 hours.

Are the new Duramax reliable?

6.6L Duramax LB7 – Overall Best Diesel Engine

As such, it's praised for reliability and has been regarded as a particularly economical variation of the engine. The LB7's applications are in the GMC Sierra HD, GMC TopKick (medium duty), Chevrolet Silverado HD, and Chevrolet Kodiak (medium duty).

Where do you put transmission fluid in a Duramax?

Slide the long neck funnel into the dipstick holding tube. Pour Dextron VI automatic transmission fluid into the funnel until the fluid level is near or at the full mark on the dipstick. A completely empty transmission on a Duramax diesel engine will hold around 13 quarts of fluid.

Why is Duramax called Dirtymax?

Duramax is a Diesel Engine produced by General Motors. First produced in 2001, they are often heavily modified by Diesel enthusiasts. Once modified, they tend to smoke heavily, earning them the nickname “Dirtymax”.

Who makes Duramax oil?

RelaDyne

Is Shell Rotella t4 synthetic?

Shell ROTELLA® T4 Triple Protection and Shell ROTELLA® T5 10W-30 Synthetic Blend meet numerous specifications and with approvals from many of the world's leading engine makers, both are an excellent choice for on-highway fleets, general haul, construction, agriculture, public-transport operators, diesel pickup trucks,

Does the 2020 Duramax have an Allison Transmission?

Powertrain. Speaking of, under that huge aluminum hood you'll find the unchanged 6.6-liter Duramax diesel that is pumping out 445-horses, but a very strong 910-pound feet of torque. New for 2020 is a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission for improved fuel economy, although the EPA does not rate ¾ ton and up trucks.

How much def does a 2020 Duramax hold?

As the tank nears empty, vehicle speed will be limited in a series of steps. At least 2 gallons (7.57 L) of DEF must be added to release the speed limitation. The new diesel after-run feature on the Duramax engine was specifically engineering for use following a demanding towing situation.

How much oil does a Duramax hold?

The Duramax LMM engine has a maximum engine oil capacity of 9.2 quarts without the filter being replaced. With a new filter, the capacity increases to 10 quarts.

Does the 2019 Duramax have a lift pump?

Number one, a fuel pump from the factory. That's right, the main cause for fuel starvation, especially on modified Duramax engines, has been addressed with the addition of a factory lift pump.

Is Valvoline diesel oil any good?

Valvoline Premium Blue synthetic oil is an excellent oil to use in a diesel engine. Cummins explicitly recommends its use as it offers enhanced protection and performance.