Maintaining the 1987 Plymouth Turismo with a 2.2L engine requires a disciplined approach to lubrication, especially given the vehicle’s age and the specific engineering characteristics of the Chrysler 2.2L inline-four. Proper fluid selection is critical to preserving engine integrity, ensuring smooth transmission shifts, and maintaining safe braking performance. This guide details the specific AMSOIL Signature Series, Extended-Life, and other AMSOIL Oil Filters designed to meet the demands of this classic vehicle, ensuring that owners can enjoy reliable performance without the need for frequent repairs.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 10W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides unmatched protection against wear and horsepower loss, extending drain intervals up to 25,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 10W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother, with guaranteed protection for 20,000 miles.
- AMSOIL OE 10W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Fights sludge and deposits effectively, delivering performance comparable to OEM standards at a great value.
- AMSOIL 10W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for engines over 75,000 miles with boosted detergents and reduced sludge.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter EA15K51-EA – Delivers 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns with a high capacity for contaminants to reduce engine wear.
- WIX Oil Filter 51348-EA – A premium aftermarket option featuring improved media that exceeds original equipment manufacturer standards.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands high temperatures and heavy loads while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts and guards against leaks in automatic transmissions.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A 50/50 pre-mix that protects against corrosion for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula offering superior corrosion protection and extended service life for heavy-duty applications.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – A synthetic fluid that resists moisture absorption and maintains a high boiling point for consistent braking.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Designed to protect power steering pumps and seals, ensuring smooth operation.
Engine Oil Specifications and Capacities
The 1987 Plymouth Turismo is powered by the robust 2.2L four-cylinder engine, a design known for its torque and reliability when properly maintained. When performing a routine oil change, the system requires exactly 4.0 quarts of oil, including the filter replacement. This capacity ensures the crankcase is adequately filled to handle the lubrication demands of the piston rings, camshaft, and bearings without overfilling, which could cause foaming and seal damage.
For viscosity, AMSOIL recommends a range of synthetic options depending on the vehicle’s age, mileage, and local climate. In temperatures above -18°C (0°F), 10W-30 is the ideal choice. This viscosity provides a strong oil film that protects metal surfaces while maintaining flow through the engine’s narrow galleries. For colder climates where the temperature drops below -18°C, a 5W-30 synthetic oil like the AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 or Extended-Life 5W-30 is recommended to ensure quick startup protection. Conversely, in extreme heat or for engines with 10W-30 High-Mileage Motor Oil showing signs of consumption, a thicker grade like 10W-40 or 10W-50 can help maintain oil pressure and reduce burn-off.
The torque specification for the oil drain plug is 20 ft/lbs. Adhering to this torque is vital; overtightening can strip the threads in the oil pan, a common and costly issue on older Chrysler engines, while undertightening can lead to leaks. After refilling with the new 4-quart capacity, it is essential to run the engine and then check the oil level on the dipstick, as oil settles into the filter and crankcase during the initial circulation.
Transmission and Fluid Systems
The transmission system in the 1987 Turismo is a critical component that benefits greatly from synthetic fluids. Whether equipped with a 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (such as the A404 or A670 models), the fluid capacity for a total fill is 8.9 quarts. This large capacity indicates a substantial fluid volume circulating through the torque converter and valve body, requiring a fluid that can handle heat and friction over long distances.
AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid is an excellent choice here. It is formulated to withstand the rigors of towing and elevated temperatures, which are common stress points for this transmission. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring smooth shifts even during cold winter mornings in the northern United States. For owners seeking a cost-effective solution that still meets or exceeds OEM standards, the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic fluid offers excellent protection against sludge and wear, promoting shudder-free shifting and guarding against seal leaks.
Manual transmission variants, such as the A465 or A520 5-speed models, require a smaller volume of fluid, typically around 4.4 to 4.9 pints. These transmissions also benefit from the viscosity and friction characteristics of AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 synthetic motor oil or a dedicated manual transmission fluid, ensuring crisp gear engagement and reduced clutch wear.
Coolant and Brake System Maintenance
Cooling system health is paramount for the longevity of the 2.2L engine. The system capacity is 9 quarts. Using a high-quality antifreeze like the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is advisable. This ethylene glycol-based fluid provides protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is specifically engineered to be phosphate-, nitrate-, and silicate-free, which helps prevent scaling and gasket degradation common in older cooling systems. For those who prefer a concentrated formula, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze offers extended protection up to 150,000 miles and excellent corrosion resistance, compatible with all other coolant colors.
For the braking system, AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid ensures reliable stopping power. Traditional glycol-based brake fluids tend to absorb moisture from the air over time, lowering the boiling point and potentially causing brake fade or corrosion in the master cylinder and calipers. The synthetic alternative used here resists moisture absorption, maintaining a consistent high boiling point and protecting the metal components of the braking system from rust and corrosion.
About the Vehicle: 1987 Plymouth Turismo
The 1987 Plymouth Turismo represents a significant chapter in the history of American compact cars, serving as the coupé and wagon counterpart to the Plymouth Laser and Eagle Summit. This era of the Turismo was defined by the introduction of the Chrysler “Turbos” models, which brought turbocharged performance to the compact segment. The 1987 model year specifically saw the continued production of the 2.2L engine, a versatile and efficient powerplant that powered everything from the basic commuter sedan to the high-performance Turbo I and Turbo II models.
The 2.2L engine was renowned for its simplicity and robustness. While later versions of the engine became famous for their reliability in various Dodge and Plymouth applications, the 1987 iteration was the foundation for this reputation. The Turismo body style offered a more sporty aesthetic than the sedan, with distinct rear quarter windows and a sleek profile that appealed to buyers looking for a bit of style without sacrificing the utility of a compact hatchback. Owners of the 1987 Turismo often appreciate its balanced handling characteristics, which were derived from the shared platform with the Eagle Summit, known for its nimble chassis dynamics.
One of the primary reasons enthusiasts continue to drive and restore 1987 Turimos is the sheer availability of parts and the adaptability of the 2.2L engine. The engine bay is relatively uncluttered, making routine maintenance like oil changes and filter replacements accessible even for DIY mechanics. However, age has taken its toll on these vehicles, leading to a few common issues that synthetic lubricants can help mitigate.
One common problem with the 2.2L engine of this era is oil consumption, particularly in higher-mileage examples. The piston rings and valve seals can harden over time, leading to blue smoke from the exhaust and a need for frequent top-offs. Using AMSOIL 10W-30 High-Mileage Motor Oil is a proven solution for this issue. The specialized additives in the high-mileage formulation help condition seals, reducing oil consumption and restoring compression in the cylinders. This can extend the life of the engine significantly for owners who are not yet ready to undertake a major overhaul.
Another frequent issue for these older vehicles is oil filter bypass or restricted flow, often caused by the accumulation of sludge and varnish in the crankcase over decades of use. Standard paper filters can clog quickly if the oil chemistry is not robust enough to suspend contaminants. Switching to the AMSOIL Oil Filter EA15K51-EA provides a superior filtration solution. With its synthetic media, this filter captures more fine particles than conventional paper filters, preventing them from recirculating and causing abrasive wear on the bearings and camshaft lobes.
Corrosion is a third challenge for the 1987 Turismo, given the age of the vehicle and the potential for rust in the cooling system and brake lines. The use of AMSOIL’s phosphate-free coolant and synthetic brake fluid helps mitigate this by protecting the aluminum components of the radiator and the steel lines of the braking system from internal and external corrosion. Additionally, the transmission fluid in these vehicles can become sluggish over time, leading to harsh shifts. The synthetic transmission fluids discussed earlier help dissolve existing deposits and prevent new ones from forming, ensuring the transmission operates as smoothly as it did when new.
Finally, the electrical system in these older American cars can be susceptible to voltage drop and connection corrosion. While not a direct lubrication issue, the maintenance of the vehicle’s fluids supports the overall health of the car, including the starter and alternator, which place high loads on the battery. Keeping the engine running clean and efficiently reduces the strain on the electrical system, contributing to the overall reliability of the vehicle. By addressing these specific needs with the correct AMSOIL products, owners can keep their 1987 Plymouth Turismo running smoothly, ensuring it remains a viable and enjoyable daily driver for years to come.