GM Oil Filter Bulletin — 17-NA-157

Spin-on oil filter requirements for gasoline engines equipped with main gallery feedback oil pump control systems (2012–2024).

Document type: Knowledge Base Audience: Professional technicians Last reviewed: September 03, 2025

TL;DR: Use an oil filter with a 22 psi (150 kPa) internal bypass valve on the GM engines listed below. ACDelco PF64 / PF63 meet this spec. Do not substitute visually similar filters such as PF48 / PF48E (15 psi). Using a lower-bypass filter can allow unfiltered oil to bypass the element, circulate debris, and accelerate bearing and valvetrain wear.

Scope & applicability

Per GM Service Bulletin 17-NA-157 (originally issued May 2017, revised Feb 2022 and Sep 2023), this guidance applies to:

Model years

2012–2024 (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC).

Regions

North America; select export markets (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Europe, Uzbekistan, Russia, Middle East, Israel, Palestine, Japan, South Korea, Australia/New Zealand).

Engine families

Small Gas Engine (SGE), Large Gas Engine (LGE), High Feature V6 (HFV6) Gen 2, and Small Block Gen 5 gasoline engines (spin‑on filter applications).

Representative RPO codes covered

The 2023 revision lists (not exhaustive): L3A, L83, L86, L8B, L8T, L96, LC8, LCV, LE2, LEA, LF3, LF4, LFR, LFV, LFX, LGW, LGX, LHN, LKW, LLT, LT1, LT4, LTG, LV1, LV3, LV7, LYX.

Always confirm applicability by VIN/RPO in GM SI and the EPC before service.

Technical background

Beginning in MY2012, these engines regulate main gallery feedback rather than pump outlet pressure. In cold starts and high‑flow conditions, oil pressure is built at the main gallery before the pump begins regulating, reducing time‑to‑oil at bearings and lifters. This architecture, combined with tighter clearances and two‑stage/variable pumps, requires a filter whose bypass valve opens at a higher threshold to avoid premature bypass.

Why bypass pressure matters. A filter with a low bypass setting (e.g., 15 psi) will open more easily during pressure surges or high‑flow events. That can route unfiltered oil around the media, allowing debris to circulate and damage tight‑tolerance components (bearings, lifters, cam phasers), shortening engine life.

Correct filters & bypass specs

GM specifies a 22 psi (150 kPa) internal bypass valve for spin‑on filters on the engines above. The commonly confused filters are summarized below.

Filter family	Bypass valve opening	Typical applications	Notes
ACDelco PF64 / PF63	22 psi (150 kPa)	SGE, LGE, HFV6 Gen 2, Small Block Gen 5 engines using spin‑on filters (2012+)	Meets the bulletin requirement.
ACDelco PF48 / PF48E	15 psi (100 kPa)	Earlier/other GM applications	Do not substitute on engines requiring 22 psi. Similar can size ≠ correct spec.

Aftermarket filters must match all critical characteristics: bypass set‑point, element integrity, filtration performance, particle holding capacity, and burst strength—equivalent to the ACDelco PF64/PF63 family.

What happens with the wrong filter

Increased frequency of bypass events under cold‑start or high‑flow conditions.
Unfiltered oil circulation leading to accelerated wear of bearings and other tight‑tolerance components.
Potential low oil pressure messages or related DTCs depending on platform; always verify with a mechanical gauge and GM SI diagnostics.

Service guidance

Identify the engine RPO(s) and model year. Confirm coverage and the required 22 psi bypass spec in GM SI/EPC.
Install a compliant filter. ACDelco PF64 / PF63 or an aftermarket filter explicitly rated to 22 psi and equivalent media/burst specifications.
Document the part number used on the RO and, when applicable, the aftermarket filter’s published bypass/burst ratings.
If an oil pressure concern is present, replace any incorrect filter first, verify oil level/grade, and follow the diagnostic flow in GM SI for the specific code/symptom before condemning the pump or bearings.

Parts selection should always follow the EPC for the VIN. Do not rely on visual similarity of can size to determine correct filter.

Revision history (per GM 17-NA-157)

May 2017 — Initial publication.
July 13, 2018 — Added MY2018–2019, additional engine RPOs; revised “Important” statement.
February 10, 2022 — Added MY2020–2022; removed references to PF63E; updated regions.
September 8, 2023 — Added MY2023–2024 and RPO L8T; updated applicability/regions.

References

GM Service Bulletin 17-NA-157 — Information on Spin-On Oil Filter Replacement for Gas Engines Designed with New Oil Pump Control Systems, original issue May 2017 (NHTSA PDF mirror). Download
GM Service Bulletin 17-NA-157 — Revision September 2023 with expanded MY/RPO coverage and region updates (NHTSA PDF mirror). Download