How much oil does a 1987 Dodge Dakota 3.9 take?
There is no factory 3.9-liter engine in the 1987 Dodge Dakota, so there isn’t a definitive oil capacity for that exact year and engine combination. If you’re dealing with a Dakota that later adopted a 3.9L V6, the typical oil capacity is about 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with a filter, though exact figures can vary by year and pan design. The correct approach is to verify the specific engine code and consult the manual for your truck.
Was the 3.9L engine offered in the 1987 Dakota?
The 1987 Dakota marked the model’s debut, but the 3.9-liter V6 was not listed as a factory option for that year in standard documentation. The 3.9L Magnum V6 became common in Dakota models in later years, as part of evolving engine families. If a vehicle is labeled as a 3.9, confirm the engine code and VIN to ensure the powertrain is correct, since swaps or mislabeling can occur during ownership or restoration.
Oil capacity for the 3.9L V6 in later Dakotas
For the 3.9L V6 that appeared in later Dakota models, the factory oil capacity is typically about 5 quarts of oil with a filter when performing a standard change. This figure is a common reference, but it can vary slightly by year, engine variant, and the type of oil filter used. Always check the exact specification for your year and engine code in the official manual or a trusted service guide.
How to verify the exact oil capacity on your vehicle
Before performing an oil change, use these steps to confirm the correct capacity for your particular truck:
- _check the owner's manual_: Look up the official oil capacity specified for your exact model year and engine code.
- _check the engine code_: Locate the engine stamping or a data plate under the hood to confirm the exact V6 configuration used in your Dakota.
- _consult service literature_: Refer to the factory-released service manual or a reputable parts database for the precise oil capacity and any notes about filters or pans.
- _verify after a change_: After draining and replacing the filter, measure the oil added and use the dipstick to ensure the level sits within the recommended range.
Using the official documentation for your exact year and engine code will ensure you’re using the correct oil capacity, since small differences in pans, filters, and retoolings can affect the total requirement.
Summary
Bottom line: the 1987 Dodge Dakota did not come with a factory 3.9L engine, so there is no specific capacity to cite for that year. If your Dakota uses a 3.9L V6 from a later generation, the typical oil capacity is about 5 quarts (4.7 liters) with a filter, but you should verify the exact figure in your owner's manual or service literature based on your engine code and year. Always rely on the vehicle’s documentation and a trusted service guide for the precise specification.
