1983 Subaru DL Oil Type & Capacity
The 1983 Subaru DL oil type depends on the engine: the 2D Hardtop takes 5W-30 (3.7 quarts qt with filter); the 2D Hatchback takes 5W-30 (3.7 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Sedan takes 5W-30 (3.7 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Wagon, 1.8 4 takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Wagon, 1.8 5 takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2D Hardtop: 5W-30, 3.7 quarts with filter
- 2D Hatchback: 5W-30, 3.7 quarts with filter
- 4D Sedan: 5W-30, 3.7 quarts with filter
- 4D Wagon, 1.8 4: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- 4D Wagon, 1.8 5: 5W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2D Hardtop — 1.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 3.70 QTS. | — | — |
| 2D Hatchback — 1.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 3.70 QTS. | — | — |
| 4D Sedan — 1.6L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 3.70 QTS. | — | — |
| 4D Wagon, 1.8 4 — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
| 4D Wagon, 1.8 5 — 1.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -30Deg.F to -5Deg.F), 10W-30/40/50 (Below -30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 30, 20W-40/50 (30Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 40 (Above 90Deg.F) | 4.20 QTS. | — | — |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 1983 Subaru DL
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More factory specs & repair guides for your DL
🛞 1983 Subaru DL Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1983 Subaru DL Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1983 Subaru DL Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1983 Subaru DL Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
5.6 quarts (5.29 L) — Anti-freeze and Anticorrosive Ethylene-Glycol Coolant
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1983 Subaru DL take?
It depends on the engine: 2D Hardtop uses 5W-30; 2D Hatchback uses 5W-30; 4D Sedan uses 5W-30; 4D Wagon, 1.8 4 uses 5W-30; 4D Wagon, 1.8 5 uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 1983 Subaru DL?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 2D Hardtop holds 3.7 quarts with filter; 2D Hatchback holds 3.7 quarts with filter; 4D Sedan holds 3.7 quarts with filter; 4D Wagon, 1.8 4 holds 4.2 quarts with filter; 4D Wagon, 1.8 5 holds 4.2 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1983 Subaru DL?
Most 1983 Subaru DL owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Subaru recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1983 Subaru DL?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1983 Subaru DL. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.