1986 Subaru RX Oil Type & Capacity
The 1986 Subaru RX takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.2 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.2 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX — 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 RX
1986 Subaru RX factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
5.8 quarts (5.48 L) — Anti-freeze and Anticorrosive Ethylene-Glycol Coolant
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1986 Subaru RX take?
The 1986 Subaru RX takes 5W-30 motor oil (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)), per the factory service manual.
How much oil does a 1986 Subaru RX take?
The 1986 Subaru RX holds 4.2 quarts with a filter change.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1986 Subaru RX?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1986 Subaru RX. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.