1987 Subaru GL-10 Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.2 quarts)
The 1987 Subaru GL-10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4D Sedan, 1.8 4, Automatic — 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 Sedan, 1.8 4, Standard — 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 Sedan, 1.8 7, 4WD — 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 Sedan, 1.8 7, AWD — 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 4, Automatic — 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 4, Standard — 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, Automatic — 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, Standard — 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. | — | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your GL-10
🛞 1987 Subaru GL-10 Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1987 Subaru GL-10 Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1987 Subaru GL-10 Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1987 Subaru GL-10 Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network 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 1987 Subaru GL-10 take?
The 1987 Subaru GL-10 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.
What is the oil capacity of a 1987 Subaru GL-10?
The 1987 Subaru GL-10 oil capacity is 4.2 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 1987 Subaru GL-10?
Most 1987 Subaru GL-10 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 — Subaru recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1987 Subaru GL-10?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1987 Subaru GL-10. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.