1981 Dodge W250 Oil Capacity, Types, & Filters

Your ultimate DIY maintenance guide for the 1981 Dodge W250 oil change is here! No more searching – find all the critical oil specs for your 1981 Dodge W250, 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 1981 Dodge W250 oil change!

Scroll Table ➜

Engine & Code	Oil Capacity	Oil Viscosity/Type	Oil Filter
5.2L 8-cylinder [P] P	6 quarts (with filter)	SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C) SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C) SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C) SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C) SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)	N/A
5.2L 8-cylinder [R] R	6 quarts (with filter)	SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C) SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C) SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C) SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C) SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)	N/A
5.9L 8-cylinder [T] T	6 quarts (with filter)	SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C) SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C) SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C) SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C) SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)	N/A

Select Your 1981 Dodge W250 Engine Option

5.2L 8-cylinder Engine Code [P] P

Engine:

5.2L 8-cylinder [P] P [aka 5.2L 8-cylinder]

Body & Trims:

All

Oil Capacity:

6 quarts (with filter)

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)
SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)
SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)

OEM Oil Filter:

N/A

Oil Filter Replaces:

N/A

1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder [P] P oil change details

Oil Grade:

Oil Capacity:

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

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)
SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)
SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)

Name of Oil Filter:

N/A

Wix Oil Filter:

51068-EA

Wix Air Filter:

N/A

Coolant Capacity:

16.9 quarts - For models with Air Conditioning (AC).
15.9 quarts - For models WithOut Air Conditioning (AC).

Oil Drain Plug Torque:

20 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)

Notes:

N/A

How much oil does the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder ([P] P) take?

A complete oil change for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder (with engine code [P] P) requires 6 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 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder ([P] P)?

For optimal engine longevity, the manufacturer recommended motor oil for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder is using:

SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)
SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)
SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)

Ensure the oil you choose meets the SJ standard.

What is the best oil filter for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder ([P] P)?

The factory-recommended OEM oil filter for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder is the specified part recommended by dealer or owner’s manual. If you prefer a top-tier aftermarket option, the Wix 51068-EA is an excellent choice.

What is the oil drain plug torque spec for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder ([P] P)?

To prevent leaks or stripped oil pan threads, the drain plug on the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder should be tightened to exactly 20 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 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder ([P] P)?

For optimal engine performance and clean airflow, the recommended engine air filter replacement for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-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 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder ([P] P)?

The total engine coolant (antifreeze) capacity for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder is:

16.9 quarts - For models with Air Conditioning (AC).
15.9 quarts - For models WithOut Air Conditioning (AC).

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

5.2L 8-cylinder Engine Code [R] R

Engine:

5.2L 8-cylinder [R] R [aka 5.2L 8-cylinder]

Body & Trims:

All

Oil Capacity:

6 quarts (with filter)

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)
SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)
SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)

OEM Oil Filter:

N/A

Oil Filter Replaces:

N/A

1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder [R] R oil change details

Oil Grade:

Oil Capacity:

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

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)
SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)
SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)

Name of Oil Filter:

N/A

Wix Oil Filter:

51068-EA

Wix Air Filter:

N/A

Coolant Capacity:

15.9 quarts - For models WithOut Air Conditioning (AC).
16.9 quarts - For models with Air Conditioning (AC).

Oil Drain Plug Torque:

20 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)

Notes:

N/A

How much oil does the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder ([R] R) take?

A complete oil change for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder (with engine code [R] R) requires 6 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 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder ([R] R)?

For optimal engine longevity, the manufacturer recommended motor oil for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder is using:

SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)
SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)
SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)

Ensure the oil you choose meets the SJ standard.

What is the best oil filter for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder ([R] R)?

What is the oil drain plug torque spec for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder ([R] R)?

What is the correct air filter for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder ([R] R)?

What is the coolant capacity for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder ([R] R)?

The total engine coolant (antifreeze) capacity for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.2L 8-cylinder is:

15.9 quarts - For models WithOut Air Conditioning (AC).
16.9 quarts - For models with Air Conditioning (AC).

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

5.9L 8-cylinder Engine Code [T] T

Engine:

5.9L 8-cylinder [T] T [aka 5.9L 8-cylinder]

Body & Trims:

All

Oil Capacity:

6 quarts (with filter)

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)
SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)
SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)

OEM Oil Filter:

N/A

Oil Filter Replaces:

N/A

1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-cylinder [T] T oil change details

Oil Grade:

Oil Capacity:

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

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)
SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)
SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)

Name of Oil Filter:

N/A

Wix Oil Filter:

51068-EA

Wix Air Filter:

N/A

Coolant Capacity:

15.3 quarts - For models with Air Conditioning (AC).
14.3 quarts - For models WithOut Air Conditioning (AC).

Oil Drain Plug Torque:

20 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)

Notes:

N/A

How much oil does the 1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-cylinder ([T] T) take?

A complete oil change for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-cylinder (with engine code [T] T) requires 6 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 1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-cylinder ([T] T)?

For optimal engine longevity, the manufacturer recommended motor oil for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-cylinder is using:

SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)
SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)
SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)

Ensure the oil you choose meets the SJ standard.

What is the best oil filter for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-cylinder ([T] T)?

The factory-recommended OEM oil filter for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-cylinder is the specified part recommended by dealer or owner’s manual. If you prefer a top-tier aftermarket option, the Wix 51068-EA is an excellent choice.

What is the oil drain plug torque spec for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-cylinder ([T] T)?

To prevent leaks or stripped oil pan threads, the drain plug on the 1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-cylinder should be tightened to exactly 20 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 1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-cylinder ([T] T)?

For optimal engine performance and clean airflow, the recommended engine air filter replacement for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-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 1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-cylinder ([T] T)?

The total engine coolant (antifreeze) capacity for the 1981 Dodge W250 5.9L 8-cylinder is:

15.3 quarts - For models with Air Conditioning (AC).
14.3 quarts - For models WithOut Air Conditioning (AC).

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

People also ask – 1981 Dodge W250

What is the oil capacity of a 1981 Dodge W250?

Depending on the specific engine option, the 1981 Dodge W250 oil capacity ranges from 6 to 6 quarts. Here is the exact oil capacity breakdown for each available engine configuration:

• 5.2L 8-cylinder ([P] P): 6 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
• 5.2L 8-cylinder ([R] R): 6 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
• 5.9L 8-cylinder ([T] T): 6 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 1981 Dodge W250 use?

Across its 3 available engine configurations, the 1981 Dodge W250 uses the following motor oil viscosities: SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C). Using the correct manufacturer-approved oil weight is crucial for engine health. Here are the specific oil type requirements by engine:

• 5.2L 8-cylinder ([P] P):
Grade: SJ
SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)
SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)
SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)

• 5.2L 8-cylinder ([R] R):
Grade: SJ
SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)
SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)
SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)

• 5.9L 8-cylinder ([T] T):
Grade: SJ
SAE 5W-30, SAE 5W-40 (Below 16°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-50 (Above -18°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -12°C)
SAE 20W-20 (-7 To 27°C)
SAE 20W-50, 30 (Above -7°C)

What is the best oil filter for the 1981 Dodge W250?

The proper oil filter depends on your exact engine code. The 1981 Dodge W250 utilizes the following premium aftermarket Wix oil filters across its lineup: 51068-EA. Here is the specific OEM and aftermarket filter data for each engine:

• 5.2L 8-cylinder ([P] P):
OEM Filter: Check Dealer Part or Owner's Manual
Wix Filter: 51068-EA

• 5.2L 8-cylinder ([R] R):
OEM Filter: Check Dealer Part or Owner's Manual
Wix Filter: 51068-EA

• 5.9L 8-cylinder ([T] T):
OEM Filter: Check Dealer Part or Owner's Manual
Wix Filter: 51068-EA

How often should I change the oil in my 1981 Dodge W250?

For modern models running full synthetic oil, oil change intervals are typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, for older Dodge W250 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 (5.2L 8-cylinder and 5.9L 8-cylinder), you should change your oil at least once a year even if you don’t reach the mileage limit.

Dodge W250 – Engine Oil details by Year