For the 1983 Buick Regal with the 5.7L 8-cylinder Diesel engine (Engine Code N), the oil capacity is 7 quarts (including filter change). Recommended viscosities include 10W-30 for temperatures below 16°C, 15W-40 for -18 to 16°C, and 30 weight for continuous driving above 0°C. AMSOIL recommends using Signature Series 10W-30 Max-Duty Diesel Oil and the EAO64-EA Oil Filter.
What oil does a 1983 Buick Regal 5.7L Diesel take?
The engine requires an oil with a CF specification. Depending on your operating temperature, you should select one of the following viscosities: 10W-30 for temperatures below 16°C, 15W-40 for temperatures between -18 to 16°C, or 30 weight for continuous driving above 0°C.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup for your 1983 Buick Regal 5.7L Diesel, here are the recommended products to maintain engine and system performance.
Engine Oil Options
| Product Name | Viscosity | Code |
|---|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series 10W-30 Max-Duty Diesel Oil | 10W-30 | DTTQT-EA |
| AMSOIL 10W-30 Heavy-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil | 10W-30 | ADNQT-EA |
| AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Max-Duty Diesel Oil | 5W-30 | DHDQT-EA |
Oil Filter Recommendation
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Oil Filter | EAO64-EA |
Coolant & Transmission Fluids
| Component | Product Name | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant | Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze | ANTPC1G-EA |
| Coolant | Propylene Glycol Antifreeze | ANT1G-EA |
| ATF (THM200-4R) | Signature Series Fuel-Efficient ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| ATF (THM200-4R) | OE Fuel-Efficient ATF | OTLQT-EA |
Note: Air and Oil Vapor filter recommendations are not available from the source data.
Engine Oil Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Oil Viscosity Grade | CF |
| 10W-30 Usage | Below 16°C |
| 15W-40 Usage | -18 to 16°C |
| 30 Weight Usage | Above 0°C (Preferred for continuous driving) |
Oil Capacity and Torque Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 7 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 30 ft/lbs |
Maintenance Tip: Always check the oil level after refilling.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
The fluid requirements for your Buick Regal depend on which transmission is installed. Note that manufacturer technical service bulletins have updated the specification from Dexron II or III to Dexron VI for these applications.
THM200-4R (4 Speed)
| Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Total Fill | 11 quarts |
| Initial Fill | 5 quarts |
THM350C (3 Speed)
| Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Total Fill | 10.8 quarts |
| Initial Fill | 4 quarts |
THM200C (3 Speed)
| Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Total Fill | 9.4 quarts |
| Initial Fill | 3.5 quarts |
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines face unique stresses that require specialized lubrication. The following table outlines common concerns for this engine type.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Wear | Diesel combustion creates high pressure and friction. | DTTQT-EA | Delivers up to 6X more wear protection. | Requires regular oil changes. |
| Contaminants | Small particles can cause abrasive wear. | EAO64-EA | 99% efficiency at 20 microns. | Filter must be replaced per interval. |
| Extreme Temps | Viscosity changes can affect lubrication during start-up. | DHDQT-EA | Excels in extreme temperatures. | Not a substitute for proper viscosity selection. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Cooling System: The coolant capacity is 17.4 quarts. Maintaining the cooling system is vital to prevent engine overheating.
- Oil Filter Efficiency: Using a high-efficiency filter like the EAO64-EA can help reduce engine wear by capturing small, wear-causing contaminants.
- Drain Intervals: Synthetic oils such as AMSOIL Signature Series are designed to allow you to confidently extend drain intervals compared to conventional oils.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
Official NHTSA recall research for the 1983 Buick Regal identified one recall campaign:
- Campaign 83V106000: Related to hydraulic service brakes. The master cylinder rear brake pipe may develop a leak due to extended chafing on the air cleaner resonator bracket. The remedy involves reforming the pipe or replacing it if wear is present.
Note: Owners should always verify open recalls by VIN through an authorized dealer.
NHTSA complaint research (not verified defects) included reports regarding seat belts, visibility, engine/engine cooling, and hydraulic service brakes.
About this vehicle
The 1983 Buick Regal represents a specific era in General Motors’ history where the brand attempted to diversify its powertrain offerings with diesel technology. As part of the mid-size Regal line, which has historically served as a premium intermediate vehicle for Buick, this specific model is equipped with a 5.7L (350 cu in) V8 diesel engine.
Regarding the engine family, it is important to note that this powerplant belongs to the Oldsmobile Diesel engine series produced by General Motors between 1978 and 1985. This engine architecture was based on the existing Olds 350 gasoline engine design. While the V6 iterations of this diesel family were noted for better reliability, the V8 version—including the 5.7L found in this Regal—is historically documented to have faced significant reliability challenges. These issues were widespread enough to impact the reputation of light diesel engines in the American market for several years.
Because of these historical performance and durability concerns, owners of this specific engine should prioritize rigorous maintenance schedules and thorough research into common mechanical failure points unique to the Oldsmobile-designed V8 diesel architecture. Key areas of interest typically include fuel system integrity, cooling system maintenance, and addressing known mechanical shortcomings associated with this specific engine generation. It is highly recommended to verify all technical specifications through specialized diesel service manuals rather than general gasoline engine guides, as the requirements for diesel combustion and lubrication differ significantly.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
How much oil does my 1983 Buick Regal 5.7L Diesel take?
It takes 7 quarts of oil when performing a service that includes the oil filter.
What is the correct oil viscosity for my diesel engine?
The choice depends on temperature: 10W-30 (below 16°C), 15W-40 (-18 to 16°C), or 30 weight (above 0°C) for continuous driving.
Can I use Dexron III in my automatic transmission?
The AMSOIL lookup note indicates that the specification has been updated from Dexron II or III to Dexron VI per a manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin.
What should I check regarding my brake lines?
NHTSA recall 83V106000 notes that the master cylinder rear brake pipe may leak due to chafing on the air cleaner resonator bracket. Inspect for signs of wear or leakage.
How often can I change my oil?
While specific intervals depend on driving conditions, AMSOIL Signature Series products are designed to allow you to confidently extend drain intervals.
Does the 1983 Buick Regal diesel have known reliability issues?
Research indicates that the Oldsmobile-designed V8 diesel series (1978–1985) faced significant reliability challenges. Rigorous maintenance is highly recommended.
Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual or a certified mechanic to confirm specifications and service requirements before performing maintenance.