1981 Volvo 240 Series Oil Capacity, Types, & Filters

Your ultimate DIY maintenance guide for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series oil change is here! No more searching – find all the critical oil specs for your 1981 Volvo 240 Series, 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 Volvo 240 Series oil change!

Scroll Table ➜

Engine & Code	Oil Capacity	Oil Viscosity/Type
2.1L 4-cylinder 4	4 quarts (with filter)	10 (Below -10°C) SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-30, SAE 15W-50 (All TEMPS) SAE 20W-20 (-10 To 30°C) SAE 20W-50 (Above -10°C) 30 (Above 30°C)
2.1L 4-cylinder B21FT 47 Turbo	4 quarts (with filter)	SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-30 (Below 30°C) SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (-25 To 40°C) SAE 15W-50 (Above -15°C) SAE 20W-50 (Above -4°C) 30 (0 To 40°C) 40 (Above 10°C)
2.3L 4-cylinder 8	–	–

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Select Your 1981 Volvo 240 Series Engine Option

2.1L 4-cylinder Engine Code 4

Engine:

2.1L 4-cylinder 4 [aka 2.1L 4-cylinder]

Body & Trims:

All

Oil Capacity:

4 quarts (with filter)

Oil Viscosity/Type:

10 (Below -10°C)
SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-30, SAE 15W-50 (All TEMPS)
SAE 20W-20 (-10 To 30°C)
SAE 20W-50 (Above -10°C)
30 (Above 30°C)

1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder 4 oil change details

Oil Grade:

Oil Capacity:

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

Oil Viscosity/Type:

10 (Below -10°C)
SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-30, SAE 15W-50 (All TEMPS)
SAE 20W-20 (-10 To 30°C)
SAE 20W-50 (Above -10°C)
30 (Above 30°C)

How much oil does the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (4) take?

A complete oil change for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (with engine code 4) requires 4 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 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (4)?

For optimal engine longevity, the manufacturer recommended motor oil for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder is using:

10 (Below -10°C)
SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-30, SAE 15W-50 (All TEMPS)
SAE 20W-20 (-10 To 30°C)
SAE 20W-50 (Above -10°C)
30 (Above 30°C)

Ensure the oil you choose meets the SL standard.

What is the best oil filter for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (4)?

The factory-recommended OEM oil filter for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder is the specified part recommended by dealer or owner’s manual. If you prefer a top-tier aftermarket option, the Wix or other equivalent found in oil filter cross-reference catalog for this trim is an excellent choice.

What is the oil drain plug torque spec for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (4)?

To prevent leaks or stripped oil pan threads, the drain plug on the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder should be tightened to exactly the factory specified ft-lbs and we also recommend installing a new crush washer with every oil change.

What is the correct air filter for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (4)?

For optimal engine performance and clean airflow, the recommended engine air filter replacement for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-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 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (4)?

The total engine coolant (antifreeze) capacity for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder is:

determined by your specific installed cooling package

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

2.1L 4-cylinder Engine Code B21FT 47 Turbo

Engine:

2.1L 4-cylinder B21FT 47 Turbo [aka 2.1L 4-cylinder (Turbo)]

Body & Trims:

All

Oil Capacity:

4 quarts (with filter)

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-30 (Below 30°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (-25 To 40°C)
SAE 15W-50 (Above -15°C)
SAE 20W-50 (Above -4°C)
30 (0 To 40°C)
40 (Above 10°C)

1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder B21FT 47 Turbo oil change details

Oil Grade:

Oil Capacity:

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

Oil Viscosity/Type:

SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-30 (Below 30°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (-25 To 40°C)
SAE 15W-50 (Above -15°C)
SAE 20W-50 (Above -4°C)
30 (0 To 40°C)
40 (Above 10°C)

How much oil does the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (B21FT 47 Turbo) take?

A complete oil change for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (with engine code B21FT 47 Turbo) requires 4 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 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (B21FT 47 Turbo)?

For optimal engine longevity, the manufacturer recommended motor oil for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder is using:

SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-30 (Below 30°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (-25 To 40°C)
SAE 15W-50 (Above -15°C)
SAE 20W-50 (Above -4°C)
30 (0 To 40°C)
40 (Above 10°C)

Ensure the oil you choose meets the SL standard.

What is the best oil filter for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (B21FT 47 Turbo)?

What is the oil drain plug torque spec for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (B21FT 47 Turbo)?

What is the correct air filter for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (B21FT 47 Turbo)?

What is the coolant capacity for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder (B21FT 47 Turbo)?

The total engine coolant (antifreeze) capacity for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.1L 4-cylinder is:

determined by your specific installed cooling package

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

2.3L 4-cylinder Engine Code 8

Engine:

2.3L 4-cylinder 8 [aka 2.3L 4-cylinder]

Body & Trims:

All

1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-cylinder 8 oil change details

Coolant Capacity:

9.9 quarts

How much oil does the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-cylinder (8) take?

A complete oil change for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-cylinder (with engine code 8) requires the precise volume listed in your owner’s manual 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 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-cylinder (8)?

For optimal engine longevity, the manufacturer recommended motor oil for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-cylinder is using:

the specific viscosity grade listed on your oil cap or owner’s manual.

Ensure the oil you choose meets the appropriate API or manufacturer OEM standard.

What is the best oil filter for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-cylinder (8)?

The factory-recommended OEM oil filter for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-cylinder is the specified part recommended by dealer or owner’s manual. If you prefer a top-tier aftermarket option, the Wix or other equivalent found in oil filter cross-reference catalog for this trim is an excellent choice.

What is the oil drain plug torque spec for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-cylinder (8)?

To prevent leaks or stripped oil pan threads, the drain plug on the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-cylinder should be tightened to exactly the factory specified ft-lbs and we also recommend installing a new crush washer with every oil change.

What is the correct air filter for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-cylinder (8)?

For optimal engine performance and clean airflow, the recommended engine air filter replacement for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-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 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-cylinder (8)?

The total engine coolant (antifreeze) capacity for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series 2.3L 4-cylinder is:

9.9 quarts

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

People also ask – 1981 Volvo 240 Series

What is the oil capacity of a 1981 Volvo 240 Series?

The 1981 Volvo 240 Series oil capacity is 4 quarts for every engine with a listed capacity. Here is the exact oil capacity breakdown for each available engine configuration:

• 2.1L 4-cylinder (4): 4 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
• 2.1L 4-cylinder (B21FT 47 Turbo): 4 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
• 2.3L 4-cylinder (8): Check Owner's Manual

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

What type of oil does a 1981 Volvo 240 Series use?

Across its 3 available engine configurations, the 1981 Volvo 240 Series uses the following motor oil viscosities: 10 (Below -10°C)SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-30, SAE 15W-50 (All TEMPS)SAE 20W-20 (-10 To 30°C)SAE 20W-50 (Above -10°C) 30 (Above 30°C) and SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-30 (Below 30°C)SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (-25 To 40°C)SAE 15W-50 (Above -15°C)SAE 20W-50 (Above -4°C) 30 (0 To 40°C) 40 (Above 10°C). Using the correct manufacturer-approved oil weight is crucial for engine health. Here are the specific oil type requirements by engine:

• 2.1L 4-cylinder (4):
Grade: SL
10 (Below -10°C)
SAE 10W-40, SAE 10W-30, SAE 15W-50 (All TEMPS)
SAE 20W-20 (-10 To 30°C)
SAE 20W-50 (Above -10°C)
30 (Above 30°C)

• 2.1L 4-cylinder (B21FT 47 Turbo):
Grade: SL
SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-30 (Below 30°C)
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40 (-25 To 40°C)
SAE 15W-50 (Above -15°C)
SAE 20W-50 (Above -4°C)
30 (0 To 40°C)
40 (Above 10°C)

• 2.3L 4-cylinder (8):
See Cap or Owner's Manual

What is the best oil filter for the 1981 Volvo 240 Series?

The proper oil filter depends on your exact engine code. Here is the specific OEM and aftermarket filter data for each engine:

• 2.1L 4-cylinder (4):
OEM Filter: Check Dealer Part or Owner's Manual
Wix Filter: Check Cross-reference Catalog

• 2.1L 4-cylinder (B21FT 47 Turbo):
OEM Filter: Check Dealer Part or Owner's Manual
Wix Filter: Check Cross-reference Catalog

• 2.3L 4-cylinder (8):
OEM Filter: Check Dealer Part or Owner's Manual
Wix Filter: Check Cross-reference Catalog

How often should I change the oil in my 1981 Volvo 240 Series?

For modern models running full synthetic oil, oil change intervals are typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, for older Volvo 240 Series 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 (2.1L 4-cylinder and 2.3L 4-cylinder), you should change your oil at least once a year even if you don’t reach the mileage limit.

Volvo 240 Series – Engine Oil details by Year