{"id":584,"date":"2026-06-23T01:45:30","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T05:45:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.worldsbestdieseloil.com\/oil-guide\/1981-pontiac-bonneville-5-7l-8-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-06-23T01:45:30","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T05:45:30","slug":"1981-pontiac-bonneville-5-7l-8-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.worldsbestdieseloil.com\/oil-guide\/1981-pontiac-bonneville-5-7l-8-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"1981 Pontiac Bonneville 5.7L Diesel Maintenance Guide | Oil & Filter Specs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"AMSOIL
AMSOIL diesel oil guide for trucks, vans, SUVs and diesel engines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the 1981 Pontiac Bonneville with the 5.7L 8-cylinder Diesel (Engine Code N), the engine oil capacity is 7 quarts with a filter change. Recommended viscosities include 10W-30 for temperatures below 16\u00b0C, 15W-40 for -18 to 16\u00b0C, and 30 weight for continuous driving above 0\u00b0C. AMSOIL recommends using Signature Series 10W-30 Max-Duty Diesel Oil<\/a> (DTTQT-EA<\/a>) paired with an AMSOIL Oil Filter<\/a> (EAO64-EA<\/a>).<\/p>\n

What oil does a 1981 Pontiac Bonneville 5.7L Diesel take?<\/h2>\n

The engine requires an oil with a CF grade specification. Depending on your operating environment, you should select the appropriate viscosity to ensure proper lubrication and protection for the diesel engine.<\/p>\n

AMSOIL product recommendations<\/h2>\n

The following AMSOIL products are recommended for your 1981 Pontiac Bonneville 5.7L Diesel to ensure optimal performance and engine protection.<\/p>\n

Engine Oil Options<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nCode<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Signature Series 10W-30 100% Synthetic Max-Duty Diesel Oil<\/td>\nDTTQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL 10W-30 Heavy-Duty 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil<\/td>\nADNQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Max-Duty Diesel Oil<\/td>\nDHDQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Oil Filter<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nCode<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Oil Filter<\/td>\nEAO64-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Coolant & Antifreeze<\/h3>\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<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Automatic Transmission Fluid<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nCode<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF<\/td>\nATLPK-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF<\/td>\nOTLQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Engine Oil Specifications<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n
Parameter<\/th>\nSpecification<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Oil Grade<\/td>\nCF<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Engine Oil Viscosity Guide<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
Temperature Range<\/th>\nRecommended Viscosity<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Below 16\u00b0C<\/td>\n10W-30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
-18 to 16\u00b0C<\/td>\n15W-40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Above 0\u00b0C (Continuous Driving)<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

How much oil does it take with a filter change?<\/h2>\n

The total capacity for the 5.7L Diesel engine is 7 quarts when performing an oil and filter service. It is essential to check the oil level after refilling to ensure accuracy.<\/p>\n

Oil Capacity & Torque Specs<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Component<\/th>\nCapacity \/ Specification<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Engine Oil Capacity (with filter)<\/td>\n7 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oil Drain Plug Torque<\/td>\n30 ft\/lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Automatic Transmission Fluid Specifications<\/h2>\n

The transmission requirements vary based on the specific model installed in your vehicle. Note that manufacturer technical service bulletins may have updated specifications for these units.<\/p>\n

Transmission Models & Capacities<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
Transmission Model<\/th>\nTotal Fill Capacity<\/th>\nInitial Fill Capacity<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
THM200-4R (4 Speed)<\/td>\n11 quarts<\/td>\n5 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
THM350C (3 Speed)<\/td>\n10 quarts<\/td>\n3 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
THM200C (3 Speed)<\/td>\n9.4 quarts<\/td>\n3.5 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Note:<\/strong> For these applications, the AMSOIL lookup note references a specification update from Dexron II or III to Dexron VI per a manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin.<\/p>\n

Coolant Specifications<\/h2>\n

Maintaining proper cooling system integrity is vital for diesel engines. The 1981 Bonneville requires a specific volume of coolant to prevent overheating and corrosion.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n
Component<\/th>\nCapacity<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Engine Coolant Capacity<\/td>\n16.9 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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