{"id":857,"date":"2026-07-09T18:53:34","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T22:53:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.worldsbestdieseloil.com\/oil-guide\/1981-pontiac-catalina-5-7l-8-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-07-09T18:53:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T22:53:34","slug":"1981-pontiac-catalina-5-7l-8-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.worldsbestdieseloil.com\/oil-guide\/1981-pontiac-catalina-5-7l-8-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"1981 Pontiac Catalina 5.7L Diesel Maintenance Guide: Oil & Fluid 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 Catalina with the 5.7L 8-cylinder Diesel engine (Engine Code N), the oil capacity is 7 quarts<\/strong> (including filter replacement). Recommended viscosities include 10W-30<\/strong> for temperatures below 16\u00b0C, 15W-40<\/strong> for -18\u00b0C to 16\u00b0C, and 30<\/strong> weight for continuous driving above 0\u00b0C. AMSOIL recommends using Signature Series 10W-30 Max-Duty Diesel Oil<\/a> and the EAO64-EA oil filter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What oil does a 1981 Pontiac Catalina 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 powertrain.<\/p>\n

AMSOIL product recommendations<\/h2>\n

Below are the primary AMSOIL lubrication and filtration products identified for your 1981 Pontiac Catalina diesel application.<\/p>\n

Engine Oil & Filter Kits<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nCode<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Signature Series 5W-30 Max-Duty Diesel Oil<\/td>\nDHDQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Signature Series 10W-30 Max-Duty Diesel Oil<\/td>\nDTTQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Heavy-Duty 10W-30 Synthetic Diesel Oil<\/td>\nADNQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Oil Filter<\/td>\nEAO64-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Coolant & Transmission Fluids<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nCode<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze\/Coolant<\/td>\nANTPC1G-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Propylene Glycol Antifreeze\/Coolant<\/td>\nANT1G-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Signature Series Fuel-Efficient ATF<\/td>\nATLPK-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
OE Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF<\/td>\nOTLQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Engine Oil Viscosity & Specifications<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/th>\nRecommended Viscosity<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Below 16\u00b0C<\/td>\n10W-30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
-18\u00b0C 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

Oil Specification:<\/strong> CF<\/p>\n

Engine Oil Capacity & Torque<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Component<\/th>\nCapacity \/ Spec<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Total 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

Note: Always check the oil level after refilling.<\/em><\/p>\n

Automatic Transmission Fluid Specifications<\/h2>\n

The transmission requirements vary based on your specific model (THM350C, THM200-4R, or THM200C). Note that manufacturer technical service bulletins have updated the specification from Dexron II or III to Dexron VI for these applications.<\/p>\n

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

Specification Note:<\/strong> The AMSOIL lookup note references Dexron VI per a manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin.<\/p>\n

Coolant Specifications<\/h2>\n

The cooling system requires approximately 16.9 quarts of fluid. Proper thermal management is critical for diesel engine longevity.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n
Component<\/th>\nCapacity<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Cooling System<\/td>\n16.9 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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

Maintaining a vintage diesel engine requires attention to specific components that differ from gasoline counterparts. Owners should focus on:<\/p>\n