1983 GMC Magnavan Oil Type & Capacity
The 1983 GMC Magnavan oil type depends on the engine: the 5.7 L, 400/M40 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 5.7 L, 475/M40 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 6.2 J, 400/M40 takes 10W-30 (7.0 quarts with filter); the 6.2 J, 475/M40 takes 10W-30 (7.0 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 5.7 L, 400/M40: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 5.7 L, 475/M40: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 6.2 J, 400/M40: 10W-30, 7.0 quarts with filter
- 6.2 J, 475/M40: 10W-30, 7.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7 L, 400/M40 — G3500,5.7L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 15W-40 (10Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), SAE 30 (40Deg.F to over 100Deg.F) | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| 5.7 L, 400/M40 — G3500 | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 15W-40 (10Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), SAE 30 (40Deg.F to over 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| 5.7 L, 475/M40 — G3500,5.7L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 15W-40 (10Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), SAE 30 (40Deg.F to over 100Deg.F) | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| 5.7 L, 475/M40 — G3500 | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 15W-40 (10Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), SAE 30 (40Deg.F to over 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| 6.2 J, 400/M40 — G3500,6.2L Eng | SAE 10W-30 (Below 0Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 15W-40 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), SAE 30 (Above 32Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | — | 6.00 QTS. | — |
| 6.2 J, 400/M40 — G3500 | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 15W-40 (10Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), SAE 30 (40Deg.F to over 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
| 6.2 J, 475/M40 — G3500,6.2L Eng | SAE 10W-30 (Below 0Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 15W-40 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), SAE 30 (Above 32Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | — | 6.00 QTS. | — |
| 6.2 J, 475/M40 — G3500 | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 15W-40 (10Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 20W-20 (20Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), SAE 30 (40Deg.F to over 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | — | — |
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More specs & repair guides for your Magnavan
1983 GMC Magnavan factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
17.0 quarts (16.08 L) — 56/44 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water. GM Specification 1825-M.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1983 GMC Magnavan take?
It depends on the engine: 5.7 L, 400/M40 uses 5W-30; 5.7 L, 475/M40 uses 5W-30; 6.2 J, 400/M40 uses 10W-30; 6.2 J, 475/M40 uses 10W-30.
How much oil does a 1983 GMC Magnavan take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 5.7 L, 400/M40 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 5.7 L, 475/M40 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 6.2 J, 400/M40 holds 7.0 quarts with filter; 6.2 J, 475/M40 holds 7.0 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1983 GMC Magnavan?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1983 GMC Magnavan. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.