1984 Subaru DL Oil Type & Capacity
The 1984 Subaru DL oil type depends on the engine: the 2D Hardtop takes 5W-30 (3.7 quarts with filter); the 2D Hatchback takes 5W-30 (3.7 quarts with filter); the 4D Sedan takes 5W-30 (3.7 quarts with filter); the 4D Wagon, 1.8 4 takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts with filter); the 4D Wagon, 1.8 5 takes 5W-30 (4.2 quarts 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. | — | — |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your DL
1984 Subaru DL factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site 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 1984 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.
How much oil does a 1984 Subaru DL take?
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.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1984 Subaru DL?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1984 Subaru DL. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.