Oil & Filter Change 1981 Chevrolet El Camino Royal Knight 3.8L V6

Learn how to change the oil and oil filter in your 1981 Chevrolet El Camino with this free video. What type of oil is required in a El Camino? You can use synthetic oil in any modern vehicle. Many vehicles will require the use of 100% synthetic oil, others allow synthetic blend, which is a mix of synthetic and conventional oil, and conventional oil too. The synthetic oil vs conventional oil debate has many proponents on both sides. Synthetic oil will not break down over time and tends to have longer change intervals, so if you want to have more time between oil changes, then synthetic oil is a good choice. Conventional oil works well for drivers who change their oil regularly and if it is approved for your El Camino. The owners manual will indicate if your 1981 El Camino takes 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30 or 10W-30. This video shows the location of the oil drain plug, oil filter, oil fill cap and dipstick in addition to the steps needed to change the oil and filter in your El Camino. For most Chevrolets, you can wrap an old belt around the oil filter and unscrew it by hand. If you can't do this, see our parts page to find a Chevrolet El Camino oil filter wrench. If your El Camino is too low to the ground to access your drain plug and oil filter, be sure to use jack stands and safe jacking procedures before getting under your El Camino.

We recommend wearing safety glasses whenever you are working under your El Camino. You never know what could be dripping down from the engine, battery acid, engine coolant, brake fluid, etc. All of these fluids are harmful to your eyes and skin so it is important to protect yourself.