1981 GMC K3500 4WD PICKUP Oil Capacity, Types, & Filters
Your essential guide to 1981 GMC K3500 4WD PICKUP oil change is here! No more searching – find all the critical oil specs for your 1981 GMC K3500 4WD PICKUP, including oil capacity, recommended oil viscosity (type), and the correct oil filter.
We cover all engine options, categorized by their specific engine codes, ensuring you get the right information for your specific configuration. Keep reading to discover everything you need for your next 1981 GMC K3500 4WD PICKUP oil change!
Scroll Table ➜
| Engine & Code | Oil Capacity | Oil Viscosity/Type | Oil Filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8L 6-cylinder [T] T | 6 quarts (with filter) | SAE 10W-30 (Above -18°C) SAE 20W-20, SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -7°C) SAE 5W-20 (Below -7°C) SAE 5W-30 (Below -7°C) | N/A |
| 5.7L 8-cylinder [M] M | 5 quarts (with filter) | SAE 10W-30 (Above -18°C) SAE 20W-20, SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -7°C) SAE 5W-20 (Below -7°C) SAE 5W-30 (Below -7°C) | N/A |
| 7.4L 8-cylinder [W] W | 7 quarts (with filter) | SAE 10W-30 (Above -18°C) SAE 20W-20, SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -7°C) SAE 5W-20 (Below -7°C) SAE 5W-30 (Below -7°C) | N/A |
Select Your 1981 GMC K3500 4WD PICKUP Engine Option
4.8L 6-cylinder Engine Code [T] T
Engine:
4.8L 6-cylinder [T] T [aka 4.8L 6-cylinder]
Body & Trims:
All
Oil Capacity:
6 quarts (with filter)
Oil Viscosity/Type:
SAE 10W-30 (Above -18°C)
SAE 20W-20, SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -7°C)
SAE 5W-20 (Below -7°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below -7°C)
OEM Oil Filter:
N/A
Oil Filter Replaces:
N/A
1981 GMC K3500 4WD PICKUP 4.8L 6-cylinder [T] T oil change details
Oil Grade:
API*
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 10W-30 (Above -18°C) - SAE 10W-30 is preferred.
SAE 20W-20, SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -7°C)
SAE 5W-20 (Below -7°C) - SAE 5W-20 is not recommended for driving at sustained high speeds.
SAE 5W-30 (Below -7°C)
Name of Oil Filter:
N/A
Wix Oil Filter:
Wix Air Filter:
N/A
Coolant Capacity:
15.3 quarts - For models WithOut Air Conditioning (AC).
15.9 quarts - For models with Air Conditioning (AC).
Oil Drain Plug Torque:
20 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)
Notes:
N/A
5.7L 8-cylinder Engine Code [M] M
Engine:
5.7L 8-cylinder [M] M [aka 5.7L 8-cylinder]
Body & Trims:
All
Oil Capacity:
5 quarts (with filter)
Oil Viscosity/Type:
SAE 10W-30 (Above -18°C)
SAE 20W-20, SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -7°C)
SAE 5W-20 (Below -7°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below -7°C)
OEM Oil Filter:
N/A
Oil Filter Replaces:
N/A
1981 GMC K3500 4WD PICKUP 5.7L 8-cylinder [M] M oil change details
Oil Grade:
API*
Oil Capacity:
5 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 (Above -18°C) - SAE 10W-30 is preferred.
SAE 20W-20, SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -7°C)
SAE 5W-20 (Below -7°C) - SAE 5W-20 is not recommended for driving at sustained high speeds.
SAE 5W-30 (Below -7°C)
Oil Drain Plug Torque:
N/A
Notes:
N/A
7.4L 8-cylinder Engine Code [W] W
Engine:
7.4L 8-cylinder [W] W [aka 7.4L 8-cylinder]
Body & Trims:
All
Oil Capacity:
7 quarts (with filter)
Oil Viscosity/Type:
SAE 10W-30 (Above -18°C)
SAE 20W-20, SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -7°C)
SAE 5W-20 (Below -7°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below -7°C)
OEM Oil Filter:
N/A
Oil Filter Replaces:
N/A
1981 GMC K3500 4WD PICKUP 7.4L 8-cylinder [W] W oil change details
Oil Grade:
API*
Oil Capacity:
7 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 (Above -18°C) - SAE 10W-30 is preferred.
SAE 20W-20, SAE 20W-40, SAE 20W-50 (Above -7°C)
SAE 5W-20 (Below -7°C) - SAE 5W-20 is not recommended for driving at sustained high speeds.
SAE 5W-30 (Below -7°C)
Oil Drain Plug Torque:
20 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)
Notes:
N/A