How much oil does a Duramax 3500 take?
About 11 quarts (roughly 10.4 liters) of engine oil, including a new filter, is typical for a Duramax 3500. Some years or filter configurations may vary slightly, so always verify with your owner's manual or a GM service bulletin.
The Duramax 3500 is GM's heavy‑duty 6.6‑liter diesel used in Silverado 3500HD and GMC Sierra 3500HD pickups. Oil capacity is widely cited as around 11 quarts, but exact capacity can shift by model year, generation (LB7, LLY/LBZ, LBZ/LMM, LML, L5P) and whether the oil filter is replaced. The following guide provides a clear overview of typical figures and where to look for precise specifications.
Oil capacity at a glance
Below are the common capacity figures you’ll encounter when performing an oil change on a Duramax 3500. These numbers assume a standard oil pan and a new filter; actual figures may vary slightly by engine variant and filter type.
- With a new oil filter: about 11 quarts (10.4 liters)
- Without counting the filter: about 10 quarts (9.5 liters)
In practice, confirm the exact capacity for your specific year/model using the official GM documentation or the vehicle’s service manual, and always refill to the recommended level after an oil change and any filter replacement. After adding oil, start the engine, check for leaks, and recheck the dipstick when the oil is warm and the engine has had a moment to settle.
Generation-by-generation notes
Early LB7/LBZ/LMM era (approximately 2001–2010)
These generations share a similar overall oil capacity, typically cited around 11 quarts with the filter installed. Differences usually come from filter size and pan design rather than a dramatic change in total capacity.
Modern LML/L5P era (approximately 2010s–present)
Current and later Duramax 6.6L engines in 3500HD models commonly list about 11 quarts of oil with a new filter. The capacity is designed to accommodate long service intervals and higher output, with the filter changing adding roughly the extra quart to the total when applicable.
Summary
The Duramax 3500 typically uses about 11 quarts of engine oil when you replace the filter, with roughly 10 quarts if the filter isn’t included in the calculation. Always verify the exact specification for your year and model, and follow GM’s service manual guidance to ensure accurate oil level and maintenance intervals.
