{"id":543,"date":"2026-06-19T20:05:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T00:05:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.worldsbestdieseloil.com\/oil-guide\/1981-volkswagen-dasher-1-6l-4-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-06-19T20:05:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T00:05:34","slug":"1981-volkswagen-dasher-1-6l-4-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.worldsbestdieseloil.com\/oil-guide\/1981-volkswagen-dasher-1-6l-4-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"1981 Volkswagen Dasher 1.6L Diesel Oil & Maintenance Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"AMSOIL
AMSOIL diesel oil guide for trucks, vans, SUVs and diesel engines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the 1981 Volkswagen Dasher with the 1.6L 4-cylinder diesel engine (Engine Code G Cr L), the oil capacity is 3.7 quarts with a filter change. Recommended viscosities vary by temperature, including 10W, 15W-40, and 20W-40 options. AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil<\/a> (AFLQT-EA<\/a>) paired with an AMSOIL Oil Filter<\/a> (EAO15-EA<\/a>).<\/p>\n

What oil does a 1981 Volkswagen Dasher 1.6L Diesel take?<\/h2>\n

The engine requires an oil with a CF grade. Depending on your operating temperature, several viscosities are appropriate. For cold climates, 10W is suitable for temperatures between -29 to -5\u00b0C. For moderate temperatures, 10W-30 or 10W-40 may be used. In warmer conditions, 15W-40, 20W-40, or even straight 40 weight oils are listed.<\/p>\n

AMSOIL product recommendations<\/h2>\n

The following AMSOIL products are recommended for your 1981 Volkswagen Dasher based on available application data.<\/p>\n

Engine Oil & Filter<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nCode<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil<\/td>\nAFLQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Oil Filter<\/td>\nEAO15-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter<\/td>\nW94025-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Product (Mann Filter)<\/td>\nHU821X-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Coolant & Transmission<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nCode<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant<\/td>\nANTPC1G-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant<\/td>\nANT1G-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF<\/td>\nATFPK-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle ATF<\/td>\nOTFQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Differential Gear Lube<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nCode<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR\u00ae 80W-90<\/td>\nAGLPK-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR\u00ae 75W-90<\/td>\nSVGPK-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR\u00ae 75W-110<\/td>\nSVTPK-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Engine Oil Viscosity Guide<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Viscosity<\/th>\nTemperature Range<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
10W<\/td>\n-29 to -5\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10W-30, 10W-40<\/td>\n-20 to 10\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
15W-40, 15W-50<\/td>\n-15 to 30\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
20W-20<\/td>\n-10 to 10\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
20W-40, 20W-50<\/td>\n-10 to 30\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
30<\/td>\n0 to 30\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
40<\/td>\n20 to 40\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Engine Oil Capacity<\/h3>\n

The total capacity for the engine is 3.7 quarts<\/strong> when performing a service with a new filter. Always check the oil level after refilling.<\/p>\n

How much transmission fluid does it take?<\/h2>\n

For vehicles equipped with the 010 automatic transmission, capacities vary based on whether you are doing an initial fill or a total refill. The total fill capacity for the 3-speed 010 is 6.3 quarts, while the initial fill is 3.2 quarts.<\/p>\n

Note: The AMSOIL lookup note mentions that DEXRON II could have been replaced with Esso Type LT 71141 (P\/N G 052 162) which is clear-yellow in color; always verify fluid before topping off.<\/em><\/p>\n

What coolant should be used?<\/h2>\n

The cooling system capacity is 6.3 quarts<\/strong>. AMSOIL offers both a pre-mixed ethylene glycol 50\/50 formulation and a concentrated propylene glycol option that requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water.<\/p>\n

Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle<\/h2>\n