1987 Ford Aerostar Oil Type & Capacity
The 1987 Ford Aerostar oil type depends on the engine: the Van Cargo, 2.3 A, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Van Cargo, 2.3 A, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Van Cargo, 3.0 U, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the Van Cargo, 3.0 U, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the Van Passenger, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the Van Passenger, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the Van Window, 2.3 A, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Van Window, 2.3 A, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Van Window, 3.0 U, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the Van Window, 3.0 U, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Van Cargo, 2.3 A, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo, 2.3 A, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo, 3.0 U, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo, 3.0 U, Standard: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger, Standard: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Van Window, 2.3 A, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Window, 2.3 A, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Window, 3.0 U, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Van Window, 3.0 U, Standard: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van Cargo, 2.3 A, Automatic — 2.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 Super Premium Motor Engine Oil | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo, 2.3 A, Standard — 2.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 Super Premium Motor Engine Oil | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo, 3.0 U, Automatic — 3.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 Super Premium Motor Engine Oil | — | 3.50 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo, 3.0 U, Standard — 3.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 Super Premium Motor Engine Oil | — | 3.50 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger, Automatic — 3.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 Super Premium Motor Engine Oil | — | 3.50 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger, Standard — 3.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 Super Premium Motor Engine Oil | — | 3.50 QTS. | — |
| Van Window, 2.3 A, Automatic — 2.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 Super Premium Motor Engine Oil | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Window, 2.3 A, Standard — 2.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 Super Premium Motor Engine Oil | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Window, 3.0 U, Automatic — 3.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 Super Premium Motor Engine Oil | — | 3.50 QTS. | — |
| Van Window, 3.0 U, Standard — 3.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 Super Premium Motor Engine Oil | — | 3.50 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Aerostar
🛞 1987 Ford Aerostar Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1987 Ford Aerostar Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1987 Ford Aerostar Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1987 Ford Aerostar Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.6 quarts (7.19 L) — 50/50 mixture of FORD Premium Cooling System Fluid and water. Specification: ESE M97B44 A.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1987 Ford Aerostar take?
It depends on the engine: Van Cargo, 2.3 A, Automatic uses 5W-30; Van Cargo, 2.3 A, Standard uses 5W-30; Van Cargo, 3.0 U, Automatic uses 5W-30; Van Cargo, 3.0 U, Standard uses 5W-30; Van Passenger, Automatic uses 5W-30; Van Passenger, Standard uses 5W-30; Van Window, 2.3 A, Automatic uses 5W-30; Van Window, 2.3 A, Standard uses 5W-30; Van Window, 3.0 U, Automatic uses 5W-30; Van Window, 3.0 U, Standard uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 1987 Ford Aerostar?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Van Cargo, 2.3 A, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Cargo, 2.3 A, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Cargo, 3.0 U, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Van Cargo, 3.0 U, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Van Passenger, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Van Passenger, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Van Window, 2.3 A, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Window, 2.3 A, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Window, 3.0 U, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Van Window, 3.0 U, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1987 Ford Aerostar?
Most 1987 Ford Aerostar 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 — Ford recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1987 Ford Aerostar?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1987 Ford Aerostar. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.