How much oil does a 3500 take?
For owners of the heavy-duty Silverado 3500, the amount of engine oil required depends on the powertrain. In practical terms, a gasoline 6.0L V8 configuration takes about 6 quarts of oil, while the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel requires roughly 11 quarts. Always verify with the owner's manual or GM's official service data for your exact year and configuration.
Engine options and oil capacity
The 3500HD lineup commonly features two main powertrain families. The exact capacity can vary by model year and filter choice, so use this as a guide and confirm with official specs for your truck.
Gasoline 6.0L V8
Oil capacity: approximately 6 quarts (about 5.7 liters), including the oil filter.
Diesel Duramax 6.6L Turbo
Oil capacity: approximately 11 quarts (about 10.5 liters), including the oil filter.
Note: Exact capacity can vary slightly by year, trim, and the type of oil filter used. Always consult your owner's manual or the GM service data for your specific vehicle.
Practical steps for checking and changing the oil
If you are performing an oil change or checking the level, follow these steps to ensure you use the correct amount and avoid over- or under-filling.
- Warm up the engine briefly to ensure the oil drains more completely.
- Park on a level surface, turn off the engine, and place a drain pan beneath the oil pan.
- Drain the old oil fully by removing the drain plug, then replace the drain plug securely.
- Remove the oil filter and replace it with a new one suitable for your engine.
- Refill with the recommended capacity for your engine (6 quarts for the 6.0L gas; 11 quarts for the 6.6L Duramax) using the proper viscosity suggested in the manual.
- Start the engine, let it run briefly, then shut off and recheck the oil level with the dipstick. Add small amounts if needed until the level is within the correct range.
After completing the process, ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and the oil level is at the proper mark. If in doubt, consult a professional technician or refer to GM's service bulletins for your exact year and configuration.
Summary
The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD's oil capacity depends on the engine: about 6 quarts for the 6.0L gasoline V8 and about 11 quarts for the 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel, with slight year-to-year variations. Always verify the exact capacity for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or GM service data, and follow the recommended oil grade and change procedure to maintain engine health.
