The 1987 Chrysler New Yorker equipped with the 2.2L E-series turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a unique vehicle that demands specific lubrication care. While the original equipment manufacturer specifications provide a baseline, modern synthetic lubricants offer significantly superior protection, particularly for this older powerplant which may now be experiencing increased internal wear, turbocharger stress, or sludge buildup due to age and heat cycling. Ensuring the correct fluid specifications are used can prevent costly repairs, improve fuel economy, and extend the operational life of the vehicle’s engine and transmission systems.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
The following AMSOIL products are specifically recommended for the 1987 Chrysler New Yorker 2.2L Turbo. These fluids and filters have been engineered to meet or exceed the demands of this vehicle’s aging components while providing extended service intervals.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides the ultimate level of protection for the turbocharged engine, offering superior resistance to high-temperature breakdown and sludge formation. Ideal for extended oil change intervals up to 25,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers a balanced approach with enhanced cleaning power to remove existing deposits while providing up to 20,000 miles of protection. This is an excellent choice for routine maintenance on higher-mileage vehicles.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A high-performance synthetic option designed to fight sludge and deposits while outperforming conventional oils in meeting original equipment manufacturer standards for this vehicle.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for engines with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents to clean internal passages and enhanced anti-wear additives to protect older engine components.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Delivers 99 percent filtering efficiency at 20 microns to capture harmful contaminants. The filter features a silicone anti-drain back valve and a metal base for durability, ensuring oil flow is maintained even in extreme conditions.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket filter offering high-performance media that improves upon original equipment specifications, ensuring reliable filtration for the duration of the oil change interval.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A 50/50 pre-mixed ethylene glycol formulation that protects the cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. It is phosphate-free and compatible with all other coolant colors, extending service life to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated non-toxic alternative that requires mixing with distilled water. It offers exceptional protection against corrosion and erosion, suitable for vehicles with aging cooling systems requiring long intervals between flushes.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand the heat and stress of the A470 and A413 transmissions found in this era of Chrysler vehicles. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures and reduces friction for smooth shifting.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Provides excellent cold-weather performance and guards against sludge buildup, promoting shudder-free shifts and protecting against wear in the automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Offers excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems while maintaining stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent braking performance.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction and helps keep seals soft to prevent leaks in the power steering system. It provides strong anti-wear protection and excellent high-temperature performance for quiet operation.
When performing maintenance on the 2.2L E-series engine, it is critical to note the specific fluid capacities to avoid under-filling or over-filling the engine. The engine requires 5.0 quarts of oil when changing the filter. It is important to refill, check the oil level, and then top off as necessary. The oil drain plug torque specification should be set to 20 ft/lbs. For the cooling system, the capacity is 9 quarts. The automatic transmission, specifically for the A470(31TH) and A413(31TH) models, requires a total fill of 8.9 quarts, with an initial fill capacity of 4 quarts. Using the correct amount of fluid ensures proper lubrication and prevents overheating or pressure issues within the transmission and cooling systems.
Maintenance Intervals and Fluid Compatibility
Selecting the right AMSOIL product often comes down to the driving habits and the current mileage of the vehicle. For the 1987 New Yorker, which is now a classic vehicle, owners may prioritize maximum engine protection over cost savings. The Signature Series oil is an industry benchmark, offering up to 25,000 miles of protection in personal vehicles under normal service conditions. This extended interval is made possible by the fluid’s superior resistance to oxidation and viscosity breakdown, which is particularly beneficial for turbocharged engines that operate at higher temperatures than naturally aspirated counterparts.
The High-Mileage motor oil is another strategic choice for this specific vehicle. If the odometer reads over 75,000 miles, the High-Mileage formula contains a unique chemistry designed to clean internal engine components. The boosted detergent and dispersant package helps remove sludge that may have accumulated over decades of service, while enhanced anti-wear additives protect critical engine surfaces. This can help restore engine performance and reduce oil consumption, which is a common concern as engines age.
Transmission fluid replacement is equally vital for this vintage vehicle. The A470 and A413 transmissions are robust, but their performance degrades over time due to heat and wear. AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is formulated to resist the formation of harmful sludge and varnish, which can cause hard shifting or transmission failure. The synthetic base stock remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring that the vehicle can be driven safely even in cold climates without risking damage to the internal gears or valves.
About the Vehicle
The 1987 Chrysler New Yorker represents a distinct era in American automotive history, combining luxury sedan proportions with the fuel-efficient technology of the 1980s. Produced during the late 1980s, this model was part of Chrysler’s E-Body platform, which shared engineering roots with the Fifth Avenue and later the Fifth Avenue II. The New Yorker was positioned as a full-size luxury sedan, offering a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a range of features that emphasized driver convenience and passenger comfort.
The specific engine in question, the 2.2L inline-four with engine code [E] and the turbocharger designation, stands out as a unique offering for this vehicle class. While the standard engines for the New Yorker were typically V6 or V8 units, the inclusion of the turbocharged 2.2L engine highlighted Chrysler’s efforts to meet stringent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards without sacrificing performance. The turbocharging system allowed the small-displacement engine to produce power figures comparable to larger engines while maintaining improved fuel efficiency. This engine family, known for its reliability when properly maintained, featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design that was relatively compact and efficient for its time.
Owners of the 1987 New Yorker often appreciate the vehicle’s smooth ride quality and the classic styling cues of the era. The car was designed for long-distance cruising, with a focus on noise isolation and suspension tuning that absorbed road imperfections effectively. The interior was generally well-appointed, featuring materials and design elements typical of luxury sedans from the late 1980s. The combination of a turbocharged engine and a full-size sedan chassis made this vehicle a unique proposition, offering a blend of economy and presence that was not common in its segment.
However, like any vehicle of this age, the 1987 New Yorker with a turbocharged engine faces specific challenges that require attentive maintenance. One of the most common issues with these older turbocharged engines is carbon buildup and sludge accumulation. Over time, the high heat generated by the turbocharger can lead to oil breakdown and the formation of sludge in the crankcase, which can restrict oil flow and starve critical components like the turbocharger bearings. Using a high-quality synthetic oil with superior oxidation resistance is essential to mitigate this problem and keep the engine clean.
Another prevalent issue is oil consumption and leaks. As the seals and gaskets in a nearly four-decade-old engine harden and shrink, oil can seep out or burn more readily. The AMSOIL High-Mileage motor oil is specifically formulated to address this by using seal conditioners that help restore flexibility to aging rubber components, potentially reducing leaks and minimizing oil consumption. Additionally, the high-temperature performance of synthetic fluids helps maintain proper viscosity even as the oil ages, ensuring that the turbocharger continues to receive adequate lubrication.
Transmission wear is another area of concern for this vehicle. The automatic transmissions found in the New Yorker can develop shifting issues over time, often manifesting as hesitation, shuddering, or rough engagement. Sludge and varnish buildup within the transmission fluid can exacerbate these problems, leading to premature wear of clutches and bands. A synthetic transmission fluid provides better thermal stability and cleaning properties, helping to maintain smooth shifts and prolong the life of the transmission components.
Finally, cooling system efficiency is critical for the longevity of the turbocharged engine. The cooling system in these vehicles must effectively dissipate the intense heat generated by the turbocharger and the engine itself. Over time, coolant can become contaminated with rust and scale, reducing its ability to transfer heat and leading to overheating. AMSOIL antifreeze and coolant formulations are designed to prevent corrosion and scale buildup, ensuring that the cooling system operates at peak efficiency and protecting the engine from thermal stress. By addressing these specific vulnerabilities with the appropriate lubricants, owners can enjoy continued reliable performance from their 1987 Chrysler New Yorker.
Additional Care and Protection
For those who store their vehicle seasonally or do not drive it frequently, additional protection is necessary to prevent fuel degradation and internal corrosion. AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer can be added to the fuel tank to keep the fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup that can clog fuel injectors and carburetors. Engine Fogging Oil is another valuable product for long-term storage, designed to coat internal engine components with a protective film to prevent rust and corrosion during periods of inactivity.
Regular use of fuel additives can also improve the performance of this older engine. AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver is a powerful gasoline additive that can restore up to 14% of lost horsepower and clean fuel injectors to 100% flow rate. This can help compensate for the age-related deposits that accumulate in the fuel system, improving throttle response and fuel economy. For those looking to restore the original luster of the vehicle’s exterior or maintain the interior, a range of detailing products including car shampoo, waxes, and cleaners are available to protect the paint and surfaces from the elements.
By utilizing the complete range of AMSOIL products, owners of the 1987 Chrysler New Yorker can ensure that their vehicle receives comprehensive care. From the oil filter that captures microscopic contaminants to the antifreeze that protects against freeze-up, every fluid plays a crucial role in maintaining the vehicle’s condition. This holistic approach to vehicle maintenance not only extends the life of the car but also ensures that it remains a pleasure to drive, preserving its classic status for years to come.