Maintaining the lubrication systems of your 1987 Plymouth Sundance with the 2.2L engine requires precision, especially given the vehicle’s age. Proper fluid selection is not just about following a manual; it is about ensuring that the engine’s internal components remain protected against wear, that the transmission shifts smoothly, and that the cooling system effectively manages the thermal loads generated by decades of operation. For an engine of this vintage, synthetic lubricants offer a distinct advantage by resisting the breakdown that conventional oils suffer from over time, providing superior cleaning properties to handle sludge and deposits that can accumulate in older engines.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The top-tier option for maximum engine protection, extending service intervals up to 25,000 miles while offering 75% more protection against horsepower loss and wear.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective synthetic solution providing extended protection for up to 20,000 miles with enhanced cleaning power to maintain engine performance.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Designed to outperform conventional oils with a 100% synthetic formulation that fights sludge and deposits, suitable for those seeking a replacement for original equipment standards.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specially formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents to clean engines and reduced sludge to help them last longer.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns with greater capacity for contaminants, reducing engine wear and offering extended service life to match synthetic oil intervals.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium media filter offering significant improvements over original equipment manufacturer branded filters, ideal for use with AMSOIL OE or High-Mileage oils.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – An ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix offering up to 150,000 miles of protection that exceeds OEM requirements without phosphates, nitrates, or silicates.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula requiring mixing, delivering exceptional corrosion protection and longevity up to 150,000 miles or 5 years in passenger cars.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands severe driving conditions, heavy towing, and elevated temperatures while maintaining fluidity in sub-zero climates for superior shifting performance.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Resists harmful sludge and guards against leaks, promoting smooth, shudder-free shifts for a reliable driving experience.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems with a stable viscosity that withstands extreme temperature variations.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks while reducing friction and providing excellent high-temperature protection for quiet operation.
When performing maintenance on this specific model, the engine oil capacity for the 2.2L engine is 4.5 quarts when including a filter change. This is a critical detail to remember, as overfilling or underfilling can lead to performance issues or mechanical damage. The recommended oil viscosities include 5W-30, which is the primary recommendation for this vehicle, alongside 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-50, and 20W-20 depending on the ambient temperature. In extremely cold conditions or for specific climates, other grades may be utilized, but the synthetic 5W-30 variants generally offer the best balance of flow and protection.
The cooling system for the 1987 Plymouth Sundance holds approximately 9 quarts of fluid. Maintaining this system with a high-quality Antifreeze & Coolant is vital to prevent corrosion within the aging radiator and cooling passages. Using a phosphate- and silicate-free formulation helps ensure compatibility with the various metals and gaskets present in the cooling circuit, protecting against the erosion that often plagues vehicles of this era. The AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze option provides a highly concentrated, mixing-required solution that offers superior thermal stability and corrosion protection compared to standard ethylene glycol mixtures.
Transmission maintenance is equally important for this four-cylinder vehicle. Whether equipped with the A670, A413, or A520 transmission, the correct fluid ensures longevity. The automatic transmission capacity varies, with a total fill of 8.9 quarts for 3-speed units and an initial fill of around 4 quarts. Manual transmissions require 4.9 pints. The Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid and AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid are engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy use and elevated temperatures, preventing the wear and sludge that can cause shuddering or failure. For manual transmissions, the 100% synthetic formulations help reduce friction and improve shift quality, extending the life of the gears and synchronizers.
Fluids like DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid and 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid are often overlooked but play a crucial role in the safety and drivability of the Sundance. The brake fluid must meet DOT 3 and DOT 4 specifications, providing a stable viscosity range to ensure consistent pedal feel and effective ABS operation. Similarly, the power steering fluid must resist heat degradation to prevent leaks and maintain the softness of seals, ensuring the power steering pump and rack operate quietly and efficiently. These fluids complete the lubrication package required to keep the vehicle running smoothly.
About the Vehicle
The 1987 Plymouth Sundance is a compact automobile that occupies a unique space in automotive history. Part of Chrysler’s “A-body” platform, which also included the Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon, the Sundance was designed with a focus on efficiency and practicality. It was often marketed as a sporty version of the Omni, offering a more refined interior and distinct styling cues that set it apart from its hatchback siblings. Under the hood, the 2.2L four-cylinder engine was a reliable workhorse, known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance, making it a favorite among budget-conscious drivers and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Drivers of the Sundance typically praised its fuel economy and straightforward handling characteristics. The vehicle was lightweight, which contributed to its nimbleness in city traffic, though it was not without its limitations in highway passing power. The 2.2L engine, particularly the non-turbo variants, provided adequate power for daily commuting but was not a performance powerhouse by modern standards. The styling, with its aerodynamic wedge shape, was a departure from the boxier designs of the late 1970s, giving the Sundance a modern appearance for its time. Despite its age, the vehicle remains a beloved classic for its role in the evolution of the American compact car market.
For owners of this 1987 model, the transition from conventional to synthetic lubricants can be a transformative upgrade. One of the primary challenges with these older engines is the tendency for sludge and deposit buildup, which can clog oil passages and lead to increased wear on critical components like the piston rings and camshaft. The use of AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil with advanced detergent packages helps break down and suspend these contaminants, keeping the engine cleaner for longer. This is particularly beneficial for the 2.2L engine, where maintaining clear oil flow is essential for longevity.
Another common issue is oil leaks, which can become prevalent in older vehicles as seals and gaskets harden and shrink. AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil and specialized additives are formulated to interact with these seals, keeping them soft and pliable to prevent leaks. This can significantly extend the time between oil changes while reducing the mess and fluid loss that owners often dread. Additionally, the transmission systems in these vehicles can suffer from rough shifting or fluid degradation over time. Switching to a high-quality Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid can restore smooth shifting characteristics and protect the internal components from the heat and wear that occur during normal operation.
Finally, the cooling system of the 1987 Sundance requires protection against corrosion, which can become severe in older radiators and water pumps. The use of a modern, long-life Propylene Glycol Antifreeze provides a robust barrier against corrosion, rust, and erosion, ensuring that the cooling system continues to function effectively. This protection helps prevent overheating, a common concern for aging vehicles, and keeps the engine running at its optimal temperature range. By addressing these specific areas with the right lubricants, owners can preserve the driving experience and reliability of this classic Plymouth model.