1990 GMC Safari Oil Type & Capacity
The 1990 GMC Safari oil type depends on the engine: the Van Cargo Extended, AWD, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Cargo Extended, AWD, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Cargo Extended, RWD, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Cargo Extended, RWD, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Cargo, 2.5 E, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the Van Cargo, 2.5 E, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (3.5 quarts with filter); the Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 B, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 B, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Passenger, 4.3 B, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Passenger, 4.3 B, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Van Cargo Extended, AWD, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo Extended, AWD, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo Extended, RWD, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo Extended, RWD, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo, 2.5 E, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo, 2.5 E, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 3.5 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 B, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 B, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger, 4.3 B, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger, 4.3 B, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van Cargo Extended, AWD, 4L60/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo Extended, AWD, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo Extended, RWD, 4L60/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo Extended, RWD, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo, 2.5 E, 4L60/MD8 — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo, 2.5 E, 700R4/MD8 — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | 3.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 B, 4L60/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 B, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger, 4.3 B, 4L60/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger, 4.3 B, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8 — 4.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
Buy the right oil
Buy 5W-30 motor oil on Amazon1990 GMC Safari oil filter on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More specs & repair guides for your Safari
1990 GMC Safari factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
12.8 quarts (12.11 L) — 56/44 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water. GM Specification 1825-M.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1990 GMC Safari take?
It depends on the engine: Van Cargo Extended, AWD, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Cargo Extended, AWD, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Cargo Extended, RWD, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Cargo Extended, RWD, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Cargo, 2.5 E, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Cargo, 2.5 E, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 B, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 B, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Passenger, 4.3 B, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Passenger, 4.3 B, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8 uses 5W-30; Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8 uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 1990 GMC Safari take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Van Cargo Extended, AWD, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Cargo Extended, AWD, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Cargo Extended, RWD, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Cargo Extended, RWD, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Cargo, 2.5 E, 4L60/MD8 holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Van Cargo, 2.5 E, 700R4/MD8 holds 3.5 quarts with filter; Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Cargo, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 B, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 B, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger Extended, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger, 4.3 B, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger, 4.3 B, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, AWD, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, AWD, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, RWD, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Van Passenger, 4.3 Z, RWD, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1990 GMC Safari?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1990 GMC Safari. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.