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1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX Oil Capacity, Types, & Filters

Your ultimate DIY maintenance guide for the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX oil change is here! No more searching – find all the critical oil specs for your 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX, including exact engine oil capacity, the manufacturer recommended oil viscosity and type, and the correct OEM and aftermarket oil filters.

We cover all available engine options categorized by their specific engine codes, ensuring you get pinpoint accuracy for your specific vehicle configuration. Keep reading to discover everything required for a successful 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX oil change!

Scroll Table ➜

Engine & CodeOil CapacityOil Viscosity/TypeOil Filter
2.8L 6-cylinder [H] L28E K4.8 quarts (with filter)SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (Above -18°C)
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above 10°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 15°C)
N/A

Select Your 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX Engine Option

2.8L 6-cylinder Engine Code [H] L28E K

Engine:

2.8L 6-cylinder [H] L28E K [aka 2.8L 6-cylinder]

Body & Trims:

All

Oil Capacity:

4.8 quarts (with filter)

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (Above -18°C)
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above 10°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 15°C)

OEM Oil Filter:

N/A

Oil Filter Replaces:

N/A

1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder [H] L28E K oil change details

Oil Grade:

SL

Oil Capacity:

4.8 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (Above -18°C)
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above 10°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 15°C)

Name of Oil Filter:

N/A

Wix Oil Filter:

51521-EA

Wix Air Filter:

N/A

Coolant Capacity:

11.1 quarts

Oil Drain Plug Torque:

14-22 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)

Notes:

N/A

How much oil does the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder ([H] L28E K) take?

A complete oil change for the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder (with engine code [H] L28E K) requires 4.8 quarts (with filter) of engine oil. To ensure safety and performance, always verify the level on the dipstick after refilling.

What type of oil is recommended for the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder ([H] L28E K)?

For optimal engine longevity, the manufacturer recommended motor oil for the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder is using:

SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (Above -18°C)
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above 10°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 15°C)

Ensure the oil you choose meets the SL standard.

What is the best oil filter for the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder ([H] L28E K)?

The factory-recommended OEM oil filter for the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder is the specified part recommended by dealer or owner’s manual. If you prefer a top-tier aftermarket option, the Wix 51521-EA is an excellent choice.

What is the oil drain plug torque spec for the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder ([H] L28E K)?

To prevent leaks or stripped oil pan threads, the drain plug on the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder should be tightened to exactly 14-22 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug) and we also recommend installing a new crush washer with every oil change.

What is the correct air filter for the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder ([H] L28E K)?

For optimal engine performance and clean airflow, the recommended engine air filter replacement for the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder is the Wix or other equivalent found in air filter cross-reference catalog for this trim compatible with your intake system. It is a good maintenance habit to inspect this filter during every oil change.

What is the coolant capacity for the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder ([H] L28E K)?

The total engine coolant (antifreeze) capacity for the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 2.8L 6-cylinder is:

11.1 quarts

Always ensure you use the manufacturer-approved coolant color and type to prevent internal corrosion.

People also ask – 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX

What is the oil capacity of a 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX?

Depending on the specific engine option, the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX oil capacity ranges from 4.8 to 4.8 quarts. Here is the exact oil capacity breakdown for each available engine configuration:

• 2.8L 6-cylinder ([H] L28E K): 4.8 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.

Always check your dipstick after refilling to ensure the proper level.

What type of oil does a 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX use?

Across its 1 available engine configurations, the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX uses the following motor oil viscosities: SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (Above -18°C)SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above 10°C)SAE 5W-30 (Below 15°C). Using the correct manufacturer-approved oil weight is crucial for engine health. Here are the specific oil type requirements by engine:

• 2.8L 6-cylinder ([H] L28E K):
Grade: SL
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (Above -18°C)
SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above 10°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 15°C)

What is the best oil filter for the 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX?

The proper oil filter depends on your exact engine code. The 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX utilizes the following premium aftermarket Wix oil filters across its lineup: 51521-EA. Here is the specific OEM and aftermarket filter data for each engine:

• 2.8L 6-cylinder ([H] L28E K):
OEM Filter: Check Dealer Part or Owner's Manual
Wix Filter: 51521-EA

How often should I change the oil in my 1980 Nissan/Datsun 280ZX?

For modern models running full synthetic oil, oil change intervals are typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, for older Nissan/Datsun 280ZX generations (1985-2010) or those using conventional/synthetic-blend fluid, changing the oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is highly recommended to prevent sludge buildup. Regardless of engine (2.8L 6-cylinder), you should change your oil at least once a year even if you don’t reach the mileage limit.

Nissan/Datsun 280ZX – Engine Oil details by Year