Maintaining the 1987 Plymouth Reliant’s 2.2L engine requires precision, especially given the age of the vehicle and the unique engineering of Chrysler’s “A” engine family. Proper lubrication is the cornerstone of longevity for this classic economy car. Over time, synthetic lubricants can do more than just prevent wear; they can mitigate the effects of age, such as sludge buildup, seal hardening, and oil consumption, which are common concerns for owners looking to keep their Reliant on the road. Choosing the right fluids ensures that the engine runs smoothly, transmission shifts remain crisp, and cooling systems remain efficient against the heat generated by decades of operation.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides unsurpassed engine protection and extends oil change intervals up to 25,000 miles for vehicles operated under severe service conditions.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers extended protection for up to 20,000 miles with 37% more cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoothly.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective synthetic option that fights sludge and deposits while meeting modern engine protection standards.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for engines with over 75,000 miles, featuring a unique chemistry to reduce sludge and boost engine cleanliness.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Offers 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns and provides greater capacity for small, wear-causing contaminants than competing filters.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket filter featuring improved media that offers performance enhancements over original equipment manufacturer branded filters.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A pre-mixed, phosphate- and silicate-free formula that protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated coolant that greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion protection, requiring mixing with water.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Resists harmful sludge and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts with excellent cold-weather performance.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks and resists heat for a long fluid life with strong anti-wear protection.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores up to 14% horsepower and improves fuel economy by cleaning fuel injectors and controlling pre-ignition knock.
- AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor – Lubricates the fuel system and upper cylinders, helping to protect older engines from wear and deposits.
- AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer – Keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup during storage.
The engine compartment of the 1987 Reliant houses a 2.2-liter inline-four engine, a unit renowned for its light weight and efficiency, though it requires diligent maintenance to handle high mileage. For this specific engine configuration, the capacity for oil change with a filter is 4.0 quarts. The oil drain plug must be torqued to 20 ft/lbs to ensure a secure seal without risking damage to the aluminum pan. When selecting an oil viscosity, AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 is recommended for general protection, while 5W-40 can be utilized below -38°C and 10W-30 above -18°C. For high-temperature environments, 10W-40, 10W-50, 15W-40, 20W-20, 20W-40, and 30 are all viable options depending on the specific seasonal temperatures. It is crucial to check the oil level after refilling to ensure the correct volume has been added.
Regarding cooling, the system capacity is significant, holding 9 quarts of fluid. This makes the choice of coolant critical for long-term reliability. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a 50/50 ethylene glycol pre-mix that offers protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. Alternatively, the concentrated AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant allows for customized mixing with distilled water, offering superior protection against metallic corrosion and erosion while being phosphate-, nitrate-, and silicate-free. These formulations ensure that the aging radiator and hoses of a vehicle from the late 1980s are protected against freezing and boiling over.
The transmission fluid requirements vary based on the specific model installed in the Reliant, such as the A404(30TH), A670, A470(31TH), or A413(31TH). For the A404(30TH) three-speed automatic, a total fill requires 8.3 quarts with an initial fill of 4 quarts. The A670 and A413(31TH) models have a total fill capacity of 8.9 quarts, also with an initial fill of 4 quarts. For manual transmissions like the A520 five-speed, the capacity is 4.9 pints. AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is highly effective for these applications, providing protection against wear and heat while ensuring smooth shifts. The AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers a comparable level of protection for those seeking a more budget-friendly synthetic option. Both fluids guard against leaks and sludge, ensuring the transmission remains responsive and reliable.
Braking and steering systems are also vital safety components that benefit from synthetic upgrades. The recommended AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is compatible with the vehicle’s hydraulic systems and provides stable performance under high temperatures. For the power steering system, which utilizes fluid type PS009, the AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid is ideal. It reduces friction, keeps seals soft to prevent leaks, and offers strong anti-wear protection, which is particularly beneficial for older power steering pumps that may have accumulated wear. The combination of these fluids ensures that the vehicle’s controls remain sharp and responsive, regardless of the vehicle’s age.
About the Vehicle
The 1987 Plymouth Reliant occupies a distinct space in automotive history as part of the K-car platform, a lineup that defined the American economy car segment during the 1980s. Designed by Chrysler’s styling and engineering teams, the Reliant was intended to offer affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality during a time when the automotive market was dominated by fuel-saving imperatives. The 2.2-liter engine, often referred to as the “A” engine, was a staple of this lineup, providing a balance of power and economy that appealed to budget-conscious families. Despite its reputation for basic transportation, the Reliant featured a front-wheel-drive layout that was relatively modern for its price point, offering better traction and handling in adverse weather conditions compared to many rear-wheel-drive competitors of the era.
Owners of the 1987 Reliant often appreciate its straightforward mechanical layout, which makes it an excellent candidate for DIY maintenance. However, the vehicle’s age presents specific challenges that modern synthetic lubricants are well-suited to address. One common issue with these engines is the tendency for sludge and deposit buildup over time, which can clog oil passages and lead to poor oil circulation. The high-quality detergent packages in AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil help to keep these older engines clean, breaking down existing sludge and preventing new deposits from forming. This cleaning action is particularly valuable for maintaining oil flow to critical components like the timing chain and bearings.
Another frequent concern with high-mileage K-cars is oil consumption and the hardening of rubber seals and gaskets. As the vehicle ages, the elastomers in the engine seals can lose their flexibility, leading to leaks that are both messy and potentially dangerous. AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil is specifically engineered with seal conditioners that help to swell and rejuvenate these aging seals, reducing leaks and maintaining proper oil pressure. This feature can extend the usable life of an engine that might otherwise be sidelined by minor leaks. Furthermore, the robust film strength of synthetic oils provides better protection against wear in areas where the oil film might be thin, such as during cold starts or under heavy load.
Transmission longevity is also a key consideration for Reliant owners, as the automatic transmissions in these vehicles can be sensitive to fluid breakdown. Over decades of service, transmission fluid can degrade, losing its ability to protect gears and clutches from wear and to maintain the proper viscosity for smooth shifting. AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid resists oxidation and thermal breakdown far better than conventional fluids, ensuring that the transmission continues to operate smoothly even as the vehicle accumulates significant mileage. By regularly changing to a high-quality synthetic fluid, owners can mitigate the risk of sludge buildup and shudder, common symptoms of a failing transmission in these older models.
Finally, the cooling system of the 1987 Reliant requires attention to prevent overheating, a risk that increases as corrosion and scale accumulate in the radiator and engine block over time. Using a high-quality antifreeze and coolant helps to prevent corrosion and erosion of the metal components within the cooling system, ensuring that heat transfer remains efficient. The protective film formed by modern synthetic coolants can extend the life of water pumps and radiator hoses, preventing costly failures that could leave the driver stranded. By maintaining the engine, transmission, and cooling systems with premium synthetic lubricants, owners can preserve the reliability and performance of their 1987 Plymouth Reliant for years to come.