1983 Volkswagen Pickup Oil Type & Capacity
The 1983 Volkswagen Pickup oil type depends on the engine: the Custom, 1.6 G takes 10W-30 (4.7 quarts with filter); the Custom, 1.7 B takes 5W-20 (4.7 quarts with filter); the LX, 1.6 G takes 10W-30 (4.7 quarts with filter); the LX, 1.7 B takes 5W-20 (4.7 quarts with filter); the Sport takes 5W-20 (4.7 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Custom, 1.6 G: 10W-30, 4.7 quarts with filter
- Custom, 1.7 B: 5W-20, 4.7 quarts with filter
- LX, 1.6 G: 10W-30, 4.7 quarts with filter
- LX, 1.7 B: 5W-20, 4.7 quarts with filter
- Sport: 5W-20, 4.7 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom, 1.6 G — 1.6L Eng | SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Below -0Deg.F to 50Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (5Deg.F to 80Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (15Deg.F to Above 80Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| Custom, 1.7 B — 1.7L Eng | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (-20Deg.F to 20Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (0Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (10Deg.F to 80Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to 80Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| LX, 1.6 G — 1.6L Eng | SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Below -0Deg.F to 50Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (5Deg.F to 80Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (15Deg.F to Above 80Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| LX, 1.7 B — 1.7L Eng | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (-20Deg.F to 20Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (0Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (10Deg.F to 80Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to 80Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| Sport — 1.7L Eng | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (-20Deg.F to 20Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (0Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (10Deg.F to 80Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to 80Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Pickup
1983 Volkswagen Pickup factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
6.9 quarts (6.52 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1983 Volkswagen Pickup take?
It depends on the engine: Custom, 1.6 G uses 10W-30; Custom, 1.7 B uses 5W-20; LX, 1.6 G uses 10W-30; LX, 1.7 B uses 5W-20; Sport uses 5W-20.
How much oil does a 1983 Volkswagen Pickup take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Custom, 1.6 G holds 4.7 quarts with filter; Custom, 1.7 B holds 4.7 quarts with filter; LX, 1.6 G holds 4.7 quarts with filter; LX, 1.7 B holds 4.7 quarts with filter; Sport holds 4.7 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1983 Volkswagen Pickup?
Yes. 10W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1983 Volkswagen Pickup. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.