1986 Chevrolet Caprice Oil Type & Capacity
The 1986 Chevrolet Caprice oil type depends on the engine: the Base, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 5.0 H takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Brougham, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Brougham, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Brougham, 5.0 H takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Classic, 2D Coupe, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Classic, 2D Coupe, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Classic, 2D Coupe, 5.0 H takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Classic, 4D Sedan, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Classic, 4D Sedan, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Classic, 4D Sedan, 5.0 H takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Classic, 4D Wagon, 5.0 H takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Classic, 4D Wagon, 5.0 Y takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 5.0 H: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Brougham, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Brougham, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Brougham, 5.0 H: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Classic, 2D Coupe, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Classic, 2D Coupe, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Classic, 2D Coupe, 5.0 H: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Classic, 4D Sedan, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Classic, 4D Sedan, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Classic, 4D Sedan, 5.0 H: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Classic, 4D Wagon, 5.0 H: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Classic, 4D Wagon, 5.0 Y: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 — 4.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 5.0 H — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Brougham, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 — 4.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Brougham, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Brougham, 5.0 H — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Classic, 2D Coupe, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 — 4.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Classic, 2D Coupe, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Classic, 2D Coupe, 5.0 H — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Classic, 4D Sedan, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 — 4.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Classic, 4D Sedan, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Classic, 4D Sedan, 5.0 H — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Classic, 4D Wagon, 5.0 H — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Classic, 4D Wagon, 5.0 Y — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Caprice
🛞 1986 Chevrolet Caprice Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1986 Chevrolet Caprice Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1986 Chevrolet Caprice Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1986 Chevrolet Caprice Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
12.2 quarts (11.54 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water. GM Specification 1825-M.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1986 Chevrolet Caprice take?
It depends on the engine: Base, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 uses 5W-30; Base, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Base, 5.0 H uses 5W-30; Brougham, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 uses 5W-30; Brougham, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Brougham, 5.0 H uses 5W-30; Classic, 2D Coupe, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 uses 5W-30; Classic, 2D Coupe, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Classic, 2D Coupe, 5.0 H uses 5W-30; Classic, 4D Sedan, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 uses 5W-30; Classic, 4D Sedan, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Classic, 4D Sedan, 5.0 H uses 5W-30; Classic, 4D Wagon, 5.0 H uses 5W-30; Classic, 4D Wagon, 5.0 Y uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 1986 Chevrolet Caprice?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Base, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Base, 5.0 H holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Brougham, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Brougham, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Brougham, 5.0 H holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Classic, 2D Coupe, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Classic, 2D Coupe, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Classic, 2D Coupe, 5.0 H holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Classic, 4D Sedan, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Classic, 4D Sedan, 4.3 Z, 700R4/MD8 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Classic, 4D Sedan, 5.0 H holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Classic, 4D Wagon, 5.0 H holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Classic, 4D Wagon, 5.0 Y holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1986 Chevrolet Caprice?
Most 1986 Chevrolet Caprice 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 — Chevrolet recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1986 Chevrolet Caprice?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.