1987 Nissan Pathfinder Oil Type & Capacity
The 1987 Nissan Pathfinder oil type depends on the engine: the E takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts with filter); the SE, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.6 quarts with filter); the SE, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.6 quarts with filter); the XE, Automatic takes 5W-30 (3.6 quarts with filter); the XE, Standard takes 5W-30 (3.6 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- E: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- SE, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.6 quarts with filter
- SE, Standard: 5W-30, 3.6 quarts with filter
- XE, Automatic: 5W-30, 3.6 quarts with filter
- XE, Standard: 5W-30, 3.6 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E — 2.4L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| SE, Automatic — 3.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 3.60 QTS. | 3.10 QTS. | — |
| SE, Standard — 3.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 3.60 QTS. | 3.10 QTS. | — |
| XE, Automatic — 3.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 3.60 QTS. | 3.10 QTS. | — |
| XE, Standard — 3.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 3.60 QTS. | 3.10 QTS. | — |
Buy the right oil
Buy 5W-30 motor oil on Amazon1987 Nissan Pathfinder oil filter on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More specs & repair guides for your Pathfinder
1987 Nissan Pathfinder factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
8.6 quarts (8.13 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1987 Nissan Pathfinder take?
It depends on the engine: E uses 5W-30; SE, Automatic uses 5W-30; SE, Standard uses 5W-30; XE, Automatic uses 5W-30; XE, Standard uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 1987 Nissan Pathfinder take?
Capacity depends on the engine: E holds 4.5 quarts with filter; SE, Automatic holds 3.6 quarts with filter; SE, Standard holds 3.6 quarts with filter; XE, Automatic holds 3.6 quarts with filter; XE, Standard holds 3.6 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1987 Nissan Pathfinder?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1987 Nissan Pathfinder. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.